Anambra suffers setback in fight against coronavirus as 25 health workers test positive

ABOUT 25 health staff in Anambra State have been diagnosed and tested positive for Covid-19 in what presents a major threat to attempts to bring the pandemic under control and limit its spread among the populace.

Dr Vincent Okpala, the Anambra State health commissioner, revealed these figures while speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day Covid-19 Infection Prevention and Control Training of Trainers in Agulu, in Anaocha Local Government Area. The programme was organised by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State chapter, to train 25 members selected from the zones across the state.

According to Dr Okpala, the infected health workers included two doctors, eight nurses and two laboratory technicians, among others. He expressed regret that those who should be the warriors were falling victims to the virus and urged the general public to help the health sector by keeping to all the preventive measures and stay safe.

So far, Anambra has 181 confirmed Covid-19 cases of which there have been 18 fatalities but the state government is being complacent, recently purchasing an incinerator for the healthy management of hazardous waste. Adding that the newly trained staff would help immensely, the commissioner urged participants to make good use of the training, cascade the knowledge to their zones and ensure that health workers in Anambra benefit from it.

Dr Okpala added: “Covid-19 is a leveller and I’m glad that NMA, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NDDC), is putting this together. There is need to protect our health workers.”

Dr Nice Onyekwelu, the chairman the Anambra State chapter of the NMA, said the training would enable the trainees to understand the basics of Covid-19 virus, epidemiology and transmission. Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the NDDC director-general, lauded the Anambra State branch of the NMA for the initiative.