Reasons Attributed to Declined National Response to Covid-19 Pandemic

Nigeria's effort in containing the global pandemic is currently experiencing a decline. This is attributed to lack of motivation for frontline health workers and lack of trust in government
 
Dr. Solomon Chollom, a virologist and Medical laboratory scientist, in an interview on Friday 25th September, 2020 with our correspondent, stated that it is evident that fatigue has set in. Efforts around sample collection have dwindled as reflected in daily samples collected across the states when compared to how it was two months ago.
 
The same applies to contact tact tracing as most samples collected now are not due to rigorous efforts in tracing contacts. It is rather from people who walk into sample collection centres to get tested. The public who after enduring the lockdown for months and having spent to bare pocket to survive and precise safety kits like hand sanitizers, facemask and face shield, today violate safety measures because of the financial pinch.
 
He also added that lack of motivation for health workers is a contributing factor. "it is rather disheartening to know that health workers, from resident doctors to the Joint Health Sector Union, to Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have embarked or are about to embark on strike action during the period of the pandemic "He lamented
 
He said, in addition to the lack of adequate safety kits that have exposed health workers to infection with the virus. Health workers are faced with government's failure to keep to agreements on Covid-19 special hazard allowance, insurance package and other welfare package.
 
Dr. Chollom stated that another factor has been lack of trust. Citizens have chosen to go with conspiracy theories about the virus. Many believe that government's has not been sincere with narratives about the existence or spread of the virus."This disbelief system has been reinforced by clear violation of safety protocols put in place by government as seen I n the electioneering campaign on Edo and Ondo states as well as failure of some key government officials to wear facemask in public places.
 
He stressed that the shocking news have been the mentioned billions by both the federal and state government as money spent already within six months have made people conclude that the pandemic has been used to pilfer donor support funds and tax payers money in the guide of managing the pandemic
 
He concluded by saying it is left to be seen how the national and global response will evolve as the pandemic rages on