Enugu State releases N330m for public awareness campaign against coronavirus and upgrades isolation centre

ENUGU State has taken the lead in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus in Nigeria by approving the sum of N330m ($896,005) to fight any outbreak and relocating its isolation centre to the Enugu State University Teaching (Esut) Hospital.

In a highly proactive move, the Enugu State government has decided to take steps to ensure it is equipped to deal with any incidences that occur. Dr Ifeanyi Agujiobi, the permanent secretary in the Enugu State Ministry of Health, said the isolation centre has been upgraded and moved to the Esut hospital in Parklane, Enugu.

He added that the decision was based on the medical team’s recommendation and in line with the advice from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) that isolation centres are best located within specialist hospitals for prompt and effective emergency response. Dr Agujiobi pointed out that the medical team requested for the procurement of full-fitted ambulances and incident vehicles to help respond to emergencies as they may arise.

Nnanyelugo Aroh, the Enugu State information commissioner, commended all medical staff in the state, especially the Esut doctors. He also praised the NCDC, World Health Organisation and Unicef staff for their commitment and dedication to duty as well as resilience in the face of the current public health challenges.

Mr Aroh enjoined the medical staff to continue to avail all medical care seekers in the state their best care in this challenging period. Dr Agujiobi added that the state government decided to release the funds for mass advocacy and enlightenment in every nook and cranny of the state, including churches, markets and schools.