As the coronavirus pandemic reaches the African continent, false information is spreading faster than the virus itself. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against the consequences of a pernicious “infodemic”.
so we decided to bring out top authority sites to get updates about the virus.
Table of Contents
1.Nigeria Health Facility Registry
Website: https://hfr.health.gov.ng
The Nigeria Health Facility Registry (HFR) was developed in 2017 as part of effort to dynamically manage the Master Health Facility List (MFL) in the country. The MFL “is a complete listing of health facilities in a country (both public and private) and is comprised of a set of identification items for each facility (signature domain) and basic information on the service capacity of each facility (service domain)”.
The Federal Ministry of Health had previously identified the need for an information system to manage the MFL in light of different shortcomings encountered in maintaining an up-to-date paper based MFL. The benefits of the HFR are numerous including serving as the hub for connecting different information systems thereby enabling integration and interoperability, eliminating duplication of health facility lists and for planning the establishment of new health facilities. Elaboration on the use cases of importance for which the HFR should address was subsequently made.
2. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control
Website: https://ncdc.gov.ng
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control is Nigeria’s leading national public health institute. The NCDC is a Nigerian federal government agency under the Federal Ministry of Health (Nigeria) and is headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria.[1][2] The agency is currently headed by Chikwe Ihekweazu.[3]
The main goal of the agency is to protect public health and safety through the control and prevention of communicable diseases in Nigeria.[4] The agency is also responsible for coordinating surveillance systems to collect, analyze and elucidate data gathered on diseases of importance to the Nigerian community.
3. World Health Organization
website: https://www.who.int/
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.[1] It is part of the U.N. Sustainable Development Group. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency’s governing structure and principles, states its main objective as ensuring “the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.”[2] It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with six semi-autonomous regional offices and 150 field offices worldwide.
The WHO was established in 7 April 1948, which is commemorated as World Health Day.[3] The first meeting of the World Health Assembly (WHA), the agency’s governing body, took place on 24 July 1948. The WHO incorporated the assets, personnel, and duties of the League of Nations‘ Health Organisation and the Office International d’Hygiène Publique, including the International Classification of Diseases.[4] Its work began in earnest in 1951 following a significant infusion of financial and technical resources.[5]
4. Africa CDC
website: http://www.africacdc.org/
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a specialized technical institution of the African Union established to support public health initiatives of Member States and strengthen the capacity of their public health institutions to detect, prevent, control and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats. Africa CDC supports African Union Member States in providing coordinated and integrated solutions to the inadequacies in their public health infrastructure, human resource capacity, disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and preparedness and response to health emergencies and disasters.
Established in January 2016 by the 26th Ordinary Assembly of Heads of State and Government and officially launched in January 2017, Africa CDC is guided by the principles of leadership, credibility, ownership, delegated authority, timely dissemination of information, and transparency in carrying out its day-to-day activities. The institution serves as a platform for Member States to share and exchange knowledge and lessons from public health interventions.
5. NCDC Covid-19
Website: https://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/
This is an updated advisory on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Self-isolation Guidance for Coronavirus COVID-19
WHAT DOES SELF-ISOLATION MEAN?
Self-isolation means strictly staying at home or identified accommodation, away from situations where you mix with family members or the general public, for the period of 14 days. This means any situation where you may come in close contact with others (face to face contact closer than 2 metres i.e. 5 feet).
If you are unsure if you should be in self isolation, or if you do not know where you can go, please contact NCDC for free on 080097000010
WHO SHOULD SELF-ISOLATE?
- All returning travelers from high risk countries with ongoing community transmission
- Anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
If you have not been in contact with someone who has been infected with COVID-19, your risk of getting COVID-19 is very low.
This is a stressful period, but taking these measures will help protect you, your family, and all of Nigeria from COVID-19.
HOW WILL I MOVE FROM MY ARRIVAL POINT IN NIGERIA TO MY PLACE OF SELF-ISOLATION?
- If arriving the country, ensure that you are picked up by ONLY one person; you should
avoid use of public transport by plane, bus, train or car. - Do not sit in the co-drivers’ seat (maintain at least 1 metre between yourself and the
driver) - Ensure adequate ventilation throughout your trip
- Avoid contact with the driver
- You should not travel across states in Nigeria during the self-isolation period either by
plane, train, bus or car.
How will I be monitored during self-isolation?
For travelers and contacts of confirmed cases, you are required to provide your name, next of kin, physical address and telephone contact to the relevant health authorities. These details will guide our surveillance teams in monitoring you while under self-isolation for 14 days.
On living with others
As much as possible, please stay in one room. You should limit your contact with people. You should avoid having visitors to your home, but it is okay for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food without having physical contact with you.
If you are in a home where the other residents have not traveled (e.g. your home / flat, student accommodation), minimise close contact with the other residents by avoiding situations where you may have face-to-face contact closer than 2 metres (5 feet). The other household residents and or flat mates do not need to self-isolate provided these precautions are followed.
You should not share plates, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, pillows or other items with other people in your home. After using these items, you should wash them thoroughly with soap and water or place them in the dishwasher for cleaning.
What should I do for effective self-isolation?
If you are under self-isolation, you are advised to observe the following prevention and control measures:
- Stay in a well-ventilated room away from other people such as family members with
separate hygiene and toilet facilities - If you are working, ensure you work from home during the entire duration (14 days)
- Ensure that you have adequate food, water, hygiene provisions and appropriate medical
treatment for any existing medical conditions while in self-isolation - Ensure that you have the necessary communication facilities e.g. mobile telephone to communicate with family members and other people while in self-isolation
- Always wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use an alcohol-based hand
rub - Cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissue when coughing and sneezing. Throw
away used tissue into the dustbin or burn it and wash your hands immediately with soap
and water or an alcohol-based hand rub - Stay away from pets as there is a chance that humans can pass the disease to them
- Avoid sharing toothbrushes, utensils, dishes, drinks, towels, clothes or bed linen with
anybody in your home - Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs/handles, bedside
tables, bedframes and other bedroom furniture daily with regular household
disinfectant or soap - Clean and disinfect bathroom and toilet surfaces at least once a day with regular
household disinfectant or soap - If you develop any symptoms of acute respiratory infection, including fever, cough, sore
throat and difficulty in breathing, please call for immediate help on the NCDC toll free
line 0800 9700 0010
What happens if I do not comply with self-isolation?
If a person is suspected to have breached the guidelines, NCDC and the state surveillance teams will work closely with the individuals to ensure that they understand their obligations. They will also be helped to appreciate the importance and seriousness of self-isolation under the current global COVID-19 pandemic threat.
What should I do to keep my spirit up while in self-isolation?
Your emotional and mental health is important. Sometimes one could feel stressed or lonely when under self-isolation:
- Talk to other members of the family about the COVID-19, understanding this disease will
reduce anxiety - Reassure your young children using age-appropriate language
- Think about how you have coped with other difficult situations in the past and reassure
yourself. - Keep in touch with family members and friend via telephone, emails or social media
- Stock plenty of materials to keep your mind occupied such as books, movies etc.
- Ensure you have a television, cable and internet connectivity in your room (this is
optional) - Exercise regularly in your room
- Ensure that you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to keep hydrated
- Eat all your meals in a timely manner
- Ensure you take adequate rest
What happens when I complete the 14 days of self-isolation?
If you are a contact of a confirmed case: After completion of the 14 days of self-isolation without symptoms, the surveillance team will formally discharge you from follow up and you will be free to go about your usual activities.
A certificate of completion of self-isolation will be issued to you by the surveillance team.
If during your 14-day self-isolation you develop symptoms of COVID- 19 such as:
- Cough
- High temperature (fever)
- Shortness of breath (or difficulty in breathing)
- Or general feeling of unwellness,
avoid self-medication rather contact NCDC Connect Centre immediately.
NCDC Contact Info :
NCDC Toll-Free Number: 0800 9700 0010
SMS: 08099555577
WhatsApp: 07087110839
Twitter/Facebook: @NCDCgov
Email: [email protected]
