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Nigeria faces a huge testing problem as the 2nd COVID-19 wave hits home. In Abuja, the result of any test conducted today won’t be ready until Jan 2021. As of y/day, there were abt 7,000 samples in Abj that hadn’t been touched. NCDC urgently needs help.
#fisayoscovid19series
1/12
#fisayoscovid19series
1/12
Some centres, such as the one at the N'Assembly, have stopped taking samples from the public, seeing that results of past tests haven't been sent by NCDC. Some have been honest by collecting but telling the owners of the samples not to expect their results until January.
2/12
2/12
Others collect and tell the people to expect their results within four days. But it’s a lie.
For instance, in one centre, someone whose samples were taken yesterday was told to expect the result in four days.
3/12
For instance, in one centre, someone whose samples were taken yesterday was told to expect the result in four days.
3/12
Meanwhile, another person whose samples were taken last Wednesday, December 16, still hasn’t received the result, six days after!
An Abuja-based politician got his only 10 days after sample collection. This is despite his access to political power.
4/12
An Abuja-based politician got his only 10 days after sample collection. This is despite his access to political power.
4/12
We’re talking results that ordinarily should be released within 48hours.
I can’t claim to know all the challenges but I do two.
Manpower-wise, @NCDCgov is currently operating under-strength.
5/12
I can’t claim to know all the challenges but I do two.
Manpower-wise, @NCDCgov is currently operating under-strength.
5/12
Some of the ad hoc staff who worked with @NCDCgov during the lockdown have since been laid off. The workload hasn’t shrunk, though.
In fact, samples from some neighbouring towns and states are sent to Abuja in addition to those generated from the city itself.
6/12
In fact, samples from some neighbouring towns and states are sent to Abuja in addition to those generated from the city itself.
6/12
As of yesterday, the NCDC laboratory in Gaduwa did not have reagents. That appears to be a funding issue, unless someone somewhere hasn’t done their job.
7/12
7/12
This backlog of untested samples is really bad news, considering that the number of positive cases from tests has recently been significantly higher than what operated two to three months ago.
In fact, there are more +ve cases this week than in the first week of December.
8/12
In fact, there are more +ve cases this week than in the first week of December.
8/12
The numbers are increasing but basic contact tracing can’t even be done.
If more test centres turn the people back or collect but delay results, then the people will turn to private testing options, which are typically more expensive.
9/12
If more test centres turn the people back or collect but delay results, then the people will turn to private testing options, which are typically more expensive.
9/12
Imagine if a family of four wanted to test themselves for the virus, that’s roughly more than N160,000 for private testing. How many families can afford that?
10/12
10/12
I’m hoping someone in the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 is aware of this backlog of samples and is taking serious steps to fix them.
11/12
11/12
And I hope the people will seriously understand we’re back to the times when they have to take personal responsibility for their health by observing all known safety protocol.
12/12
12/12
