The Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria, on Friday, said okada riders, their passengers and commuters of commercial vehicles could be at risk in
the spread of the Ebola virus through body contacts.
The MDCAN stated this in a statement statement signed by the President Dr Steven Oluwole and Assistant Secretary General , Dr. A Adesokan, in Abuja
The group faulted governments communication on prevention approaches that lays emphasizes only on handshake and contact with body fluid of those already tested positive for the virus.
It urged government to emphasise other ways to contain the spread of the virus. The statement noted that the approach of prevention, should not centre only on avoiding handshakes.
It noted that government campaign ignored the modes of transportation in Nigeria, which include crowded buses and motor bikes which encourage intimate body contacts that exceed handshakes.
MDCAN statement reads in part: “Rigorous contact tracing were not instituted after the index case was identified in Lagos.
“The failure to model that infected health workers in Lagos may have transmitted to contacts whilst shopping, commuting, or recreating.
” Failure to model that contacts of Ebola cases in Lagos may have travelled to any other region in the country.
” No evidence of establishment of Ebola management centres in all regions of the Country.
” No evidence of procurement and distribution of safety equipments to protect staff.
“No evidence of training of staff to effectively manage cases.
” No evidence protocols have been developed and circulated to staff for case identification.
” No evidence protocols have been develope to specially transport suspected cases to treatment Centres.”
The group however suggested 10 ways to stem the spread of the virus, which included:
“Appropriate agencies of government should work on the assumption that the epidemic has potentially spread to all regions of Nigeria.
“Protocols should identify cases, and for self reporting should be developed.
“Centres for reporting of cases should be established.
” Centres for management of cases should be designated
“Random management of cases in hospitals across Nigeria should be avoided.
“Special transportation facilities for identified cases should be established.
” Management protocols, training of special management staff, and adequate protection of staff should be ensured.”
It therefore advised the general public to avoid charlatans and opportunists, who offer unverifiable claims of cure of a disease they know nothing about.
It urged Nigerians to seek information and clarifications.
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