With COVID-19 testing revving up in Nigeria, the numbers of deaths and infections are increasing. Current official figures put infection numbers at 126,160 with total number of deaths reported to be 1,544. These numbers reflect increased testing but do not however show a true picture of the situation on ground. With very limited data collection system, it is clear that official figures do not capture the true picture of the COVID-19 situation in the country. The cost of testing borne by citizens themselves means that a lot of persons are excluded from treatment within official systems.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has recommended the use of Antigen-based Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) to improve the country’s testing capacity, and rolled out guidelines for the use of these tests. According to the NCDC, the rapid tests meet the minimum standards for sensitivity and specificity of COVID-19 diagnostic tests. It is in view of this that the Director General of the Centre, Dr. Chikwe Ihekwazu prescribed the kits for use in settings with large numbers of people, such as schools, to test persons with symptoms of the disease. He noted that although the test kits provide results within a shorter time, they also have limitations. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that correct use of the kits would increase the pace of testing in Nigeria, to enable improved response and care for patients.
Public announcement by Nigerian public officials state that the country has ordered its first batch of 100,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for delivery in February. This is insignificant compared to Nigeria’s population of 200 million. The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire’s announcement that the Federal Government is looking to vaccinate 70% of the Nigerian population in two years is being taken with a pinch of salt. The Minister’s report announcing a planned deal with a company, May & Baker to produce vaccines domestically at the cost of N10billion has been pooh-poohed by the Senate Committee on Health, with the Committee describing the Minister’s plan as lacking in strategy, detail or even seriousness. A lot of Nigerians worry that beyond the reliance on the generosity and benevolence of the international community and donors, the country seems to lack any cohesive, defined strategy on COVID-19 vaccination.