Nigeria’s COVID-19 Task Force has warned the public against
buying large quantity of hydroxychloroquine to treat the novel Coronavirus.
It said the drug had not been certified for use.
Mr Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the
Federation (SGF), gave the warning at the PTF COVID-19 daily press briefing on
Thursday in Abuja.
He said the body had received reports that Nigerians have
been buying hydroxychloroquine in large quantity to treat the virus.
“We wish to reiterate that this drug has not been certified
for use in treating COVID-19 in Nigeria by the relevant health and
pharmaceutical authorities.
“Self-medication of any kind is fraught with the danger of
increasing risks of avoidable casualties. We therefore strongly warn against
self-medication,” he said.
According to him, “if you are sick, please seek medical
advice and if you are confirmed positive, kindly self-isolate in an approved
facility, the COVID-19 is highly infectious and dangerous”.
He stated that the PTF has continued to receive support,
donation of equipment and solidarity messages from professional organisations.
He acknowledged the support of Nigerian Institute of
Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) and the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN).
Others were the NNPC and its partner, Messrs OCEA S.A,
through its Nigerian representative, Mystrose Defense Systems Ltd.
Mustapha said May 20th served as a reminder to the world
about the severity of the COVID-19 when the World Health Organisation (WHO)
reminded the world that there was still a long way to go in fighting the
pandemic
Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director General said 106,000
cases were recorded globally in 24 hours, representing the highest single day
number since the outbreak of the pandemic.
“This is significant because it brings to realisation, the
relentless assault of the virus on humanity,” Tedros said.
Mustapaha added that for Nigeria, the importance of such
message was clear, adding that there is need to eschew skepticism about the
existence of COVID-19 and its potency.
He called for a change in behaviour, while urging citizens
to join hands in tackling the pandemic.
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