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Author(s):
Editor in Chief.
Page No :
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African Journal of Biology and Medical Research, Volume 3 Issue 2, Full Issue
Abstract
African Journal of Biology and Medical Research, Volume 3 Issue 2, Full Issue
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Author(s):
Abd El-Aleem Saad Soliman Desoky.
Page No : 1-3
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Review Article: Global Prevention Methods Against the Spread of Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19)
Abstract
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. WHO{1}. On March 11, the WHO declared the outbreak a pandemic, a new disease that has spread around the world. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded in slowing or stopping their outbreaks. However, the situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news. This research paper presents the most important preventive methods to prevent the spread of the Corona virus, according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization and through your national and local public health authority.
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Author(s):
Dmytro Klokol (MD Ph.D), Lingeswran Nallenthiran (MD), Yuriy Nalapko (MD PhD), Michael Papacharalampous (MD Ph.D).
Page No : 4-14
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Covid-19 Pandemic: Why Does it Happen and Where Does it Take us to?
Abstract
Genome of eukaryotic cells contains up to 69% of the transposable elements and repetitive sequences. To a large extent it is a result of billions of years of evolution through which eukaryotes were encountering gazillions of viruses and storing the footprints of those encounters in its genome. This time Mankind deals with a novel virus belonging to the coronavirus family, which albeit being widely spread in the wildlife is new to humans. Once infected, 80% of humans experience a flu-like symptoms and eventually recover. However, the real menace is posed to those whose vulnerability is determined by old age and underlying medical conditions. Akin to the scenario of alien invasion, this pandemic will leave a notable imprint on social, economic and biological aspects of human existence. How did it happen, or rather, why did we allow this to happen? Let’s ponder over the biological, medical and philosophical domains of COVID-19 pandemic.
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Author(s):
Andrew A. Roy (PhD, MBBS, MPH, MSc).
Page No : 15-19
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Review Article: Correlation between Universal BCG Vaccination Policy and Reduced Morbidity and Mortality for COVID-19: An Epidemiological Study
Abstract
Genome of eukaryotic cells contains up to 69% of the transposable elements and repetitive sequences. To a large extent it is a result of billions of years of evolution through which eukaryotes were encountering gazillions of viruses and storing the footprints of those encounters in its genome. This time Mankind deals with a novel virus belonging to the coronavirus family, which albeit being widely spread in the wildlife is new to humans. Once infected, 80% of humans experience a flu-like symptoms and eventually recover. However, the real menace is posed to those whose vulnerability is determined by old age and underlying medical conditions. Akin to the scenario of alien invasion, this pandemic will leave a notable imprint on social, economic and biological aspects of human existence. How did it happen, or rather, why did we allow this to happen? Let’s ponder over the biological, medical and philosophical domains of COVID-19 pandemic.
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Author(s):
Adamu Ibrahim .
Page No : 20-21
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Psychological Effects of Covid-19 and Its Impact on Body Systems
Abstract
During pandemic outbreaks like COVID-19, global attention is focused on curbing the spread of infection while giving minimal or no care to pandemic impact on mental health and psychological well-being of individuals. In this short article attempts have been made to discuss how pandemic infectious outbreaks such as COVID-19 affect the psychological well-being which in turn have great impact on other body systems, the author also draws some recommendations to positively address the issue.
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Author(s):
Dr. Panira Ali.
Page No : 22-25
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COVID-19: Psychological Implications and Response
Abstract
The coronavirus or COVID-19 has emerged as the serious threat for all the nations around the globe. The disease has been declared as Pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO) and has paralysed the cycle of global village with stress and anxiety. Covid-19, started from the Hubei province of China, has now reached to more than 200 countries on the planet. Rapid spread and limitations of healthcare facilities are causing extensive panic and anxiety among individuals in every part of the world. The outbreak of this virus has triggered the equal level of crisis in countries of developed, developing, and underdeveloped world.
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Author(s):
Adamu Ibrahim.
Page No : 26-32
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Therapeutic Approach Towards Suicide Among Muslim Folks: A Treatise During COVID-19 Outbreak
Abstract
Suicide is relatively rare problem affecting people irrespective of gender, age race and religion, but in pandemic infectious disease outbreak, the practice tends to increase due to various negative psychological changes. Despite the frequent reports that are showing the rise of suicidal cases and attempts globally, the menace is almost neglected by societies. This article presents brief explanations on the suicide from the Islamic perspective, which was aimed to serve as a primer for curbing the menace in the Muslim communities in particular. In the paper, risk and protective factors for suicide are discussed, Islamic ruling on suicide, and suggested ways of helping a person with suicidal thoughts are also outlined.
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Author(s):
Braimah Joseph Odunayo.
Page No : 33-40
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On the Monitoring of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic Outbreak in Nigeria
Abstract
This study is a monitoring analysis of COVID-19 in Nigeria. The data used for the study is sourced from the Nigeria Centre for disease Control (NCDC) as at 10:00PM on the 11th of April, 2020 which comprises number of laboratory confirmed cases, number of active cases and number of discharged cases. The models used in this study are the linear trend model, fish-bone diagram, Pareto analysis and pie chart. The fish bone diagram depicts the likely symptoms to check out for in a patent infected by COVID-19; the Pareto analysis shows that Lagos, FCT (Abuja) and Osun constitute 80% of all the infected states; the trend analysis shows that the spread of the pandemic is still on an increase rate; from the 3 months forecast carried out using linear trend analysis, in the next three months (90 days) active COVID-19 cases in Nigeria may hit 1000 positive confirmed cases if more measures is not put in place to curb the spread of the pandemic; and lastly, from the performance assessment, it is seen that the pandemic is still under control.
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Author(s):
Sujata Saha, Dr. Tinni Dutta.
Page No : 41-49
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A Study on the Psychological Crisis During the Lockdown Caused due to Covid-19 Pandemic
Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is the defining global health crisis of the current time and the greatest challenge that we have faced since World War II. Countries are racing to slow the spread of the virus by testing and treating patients, carrying out contact tracing, limiting travel, quarantining citizens, and cancelling large gatherings such as sporting events, concerts, and schools. The World Health Organization, which has officially declared the outbreak a pandemic, has called on "all countries to continue efforts that have been effective in limiting the number of cases and slowing the spread of the virus." However, the rest of the country remains under lockdown. Everyone else is only allowed to leave to purchase food or medication, visit the sick and go to the hospital. So, understanding the uncertain lockdown period, the present study focused on the psychological crisis among different categories of people during this vulnerable time of the community transmission of the virus. Twelve participants from different life roles were selected and were assessed on some negative and positive domains undergoing this worldwide phenomenon. A qualitative analysis was done to interpret the content of the information received from the participants. The study clearly indicated that apart from the life uncertainties psychological distress and economic worries that prevail genuinely but there are also some optimistic thought about the lockdown that can save our lives , rebuild trust and cooperation, within and among nations, between people and their governments and considered as a best practice in this crisis that might reduce threat among the participants during this lockdown period.
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Author(s):
Dr. Agubosi Lydia Akunna.
Page No : 50-59
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The Perspectives of Adults in Kwara State, Nigeria on the Prevention and Treatment of Coronavirus Pandemic
Abstract
Coronavirus disease is ravaging some countries of the world today. Efforts are being made globally to contain this deadly disease which has claimed many lives. This study therefore examined the perspectives of adults in Kwara State on the preventive and treatment measures for coronavirus. Attempt is made to explain the theories associated with the origin of coronavirus which are conspiracy theory, 5G theory and Nostradamus theory. The study adopted qualitative research approach. Population of the study comprised adults in Kwara State. Purposive sampling technique was used to select Ilorin Metropolis to participate in the study. Primary (oral interview) and secondary data were sources for data collection. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. However descriptive analysis was employed to analyze items. Findings showed that adults in Kwara State have their own preventive and treatment measures for the coronavirus. Among the items for prevention and treatment that reoccurred most are ginger, lemon and turmeric. Based on the findings, it is recommended that World Health Organisation (WHO) and researchers should test these preventive and treatment measures in order to accept or refute them in the containment of coronavirus pandemic.
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Author(s):
Samuel Ayobami Fasogbon, Samuel Chijioke Nnorom, Loveth Onotse Fasogbon, Ahmed Oladimeji Adebayo, Ibukun Akinsola Omisakin, Tolulope Samuel Ogunjimi, Godwin Omeri Okoro, Dayo Ebenezer Adediwura.
Page No : 60-65
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Covid-19: The Role of Welfare and Safety of Health Workers in Combating the Outbreak
Abstract
At the conclusion of year 2019, a novel coronavirus was distinguished as the cause of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, a city within the Hubei Area of China. It quickly spread, coming about in a scourge all through China, taken after by an expanding number of cases in other nations all through the world. The name, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was assigned to the virus that causes COVID-19. Understanding of the transmission risk is inadequate. The COVID-19 outbreak has been seen to have huge toll on the physical, mental, and feeling on the world’s public health workforce. Health workers are at the front line of the COVID-19 outbreak reaction and as such are uncovered to dangers that put them at chance of contamination. It is of significance to avoid the spread of this illness, by executing work environment assurances for front line healthcare workers whose proficient obligation is to protect patients. The tall rate of diseases among healthcare staff universally could be a genuine concern since workers who are infected must remain absent from work for at least 14 days, depleting the already exhausted workforce. The chaos of coronavirus underscores the challenge that public health workers face in prioritizing their own wellness in the face of limited resources, the confront of restricted assets, regularly brutal hours, and apparently perpetual requests on their transfer speed. It would be a public health fiasco if huge numbers of health workers get debilitated or are isolated. COVID-19 is a novel disease that is not yet fully understood and therefore the need for enforcement of critical safety measures, provision of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and update safety trainings for health workers. Health workers are expected to take maximum precautions to prevent getting infected. Guaranteeing protection and satisfactory welfare for the health workers with the incorporation of insurance cover in case of accidental loss of life on account of contracting COVID-19 are exceptionally basic in combatting the outbreak.
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Author(s):
Ahmed Youssef Kada, Kheireddine Abdelouahed Bouyoucef, Kouider Sahraoui.
Page No : 66-72
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Impact of Hydroxychloroquin/Azithromycin Protocol on COVID-19 Case-Fatality Rate Reduction in Algeria
Abstract
This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquin/ azithromycin protocol in Algeria, in particular after its extension to all patients diagnosed COVID-19 positive on RT-PCR test. We were able to illustrate this fact graphically, but not to prove it statistically, indeed in the 7 days which followed generalization of therapeutic protocol, case fatality rate decrease and doubling time increase, thus confirming the impact of wide and early prescription of hydroxychloroquin/azithromycin protocol.
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Author(s):
Mukhtar Y., Maigari A.K., Galalain A.M., Nuhu Y., Abdu K., Suleiman A.S., Yunusa U.M., Bashir R.A., Tukur S., Adam A.I., Yakudima I.I.
Page No : 73-83
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Recurrent Prevalence of COVID-19 Symptoms among Inhabitants of Madobi Town, Kano-Nigeria Coincides with the Period of Disease Outbreak in the State: A Timeframe from April – May 2020
Abstract
Ever since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection which emanated from Wuhan, a city in Hubei province of China and subsequently leads to the current global pandemic, the disease has been travelling and fast spreading across various nations of the world. As of 07 June 2020, there were 3,230,031 active cases and 406,343 deaths reported globally. Out of this, Nigeria current cases stood at 8,173 persons with 354 deaths, while specifically in Kano State; the total active cases hit 501 with 48 deaths respectively. Not much long after confirmation of the first positive index case of this villain virus in Kano city, on 11th April, 2020, there have been frequent reports of people across the state exhibiting symptoms (such as high fever, headache, cough, loss of smell, loss of taste, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and shortness of breath) that are similar to COVID-19 infection as defined by the Nigerian Center for Diseases Control (NCDC), but however with subsequent high recoveries. Owing to this development, the present study entitled to assess the situation pertaining to occurrence of these cases, recoveries and the method of treatment applied in the study location. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed and administered to a total of fifty (50) respondents pulled out randomly from the study area. It was found out that 41(82%) of the respondents catches common cold/catarrh during the timeframe of the study against the remaining 09(18%) who did not. In general, out of the 50 samples interviewed, 96% representing 48 persons exhibited two or more of symptoms that are similar to COVID-19 infection, while 02 (4%) did not experience any of the signs. However, out of these 48 suspected persons, 32(66.7%) receive medical care either from hospital or pharmacy, while 16(33.3%) of them did not seek for any medical assistance. In terms of body conditions improvement, 42(87.5%) persons recovered fully from the symptoms and 06(12.5%) are still battling with one or two of the symptoms. Moreover, 10(20.8%) persons reported to have use herbal therapy during the course of the treatment while 38(79.2%) did not. Based on the outcome of this finding, it can be deduced that the possibility of communal COVID-19 transmission among the inhabitants of the study area during the timeframe cannot be totally overruled even though that no single COVID-19 confirmatory test was carried out. Hence, there is need for government and other concerned authorities to establish more testing facilities in remote areas and also review their protocols towards containment of this pandemic as this unending lockdown seem to be no longer sustainable.
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Author(s):
Chris AC-Ogbonna (Ph.D).
Page No : 84-97
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Coronavirus: The Economics of the Pandemic and Performance of the Nigeria Economy
Abstract
Coronavirus is an infectious disease that originated from Wuhan, China in December 2019caused by severe respiratory syndrome and has spread to about 196 countries in the world. The outbreak of the virus has altered the economic behavior of the Nigeria economy and has had a negative multiplier effects on all the sectors of the economy. The objective of the study therefore is to examine the effect of the Coronavirus on the Productive Performance of the Nigeria Economy while the major problem of the study is that the abysmal performance of the economy under this period of pandemic is due to the lack of effective economic management strategy of the economy and projection of outrageous daily figures, instead of researching into alternative cure for the virus and effectively managing the economy in Nigeria, the figures are moving in a geometric progression .Despite the huge monetary donations from local and foreign donors towards fighting the pandemic, the situation has not improved in Nigeria. The government claimed to have the capacity to manage the economy under lockdown and contain the virus without vaccine, why the unjustifiable increase in the prices of domestic commodities and goods in Nigeria; Why is corruption taking a different dimension and the daily index figures accelerating in a geometric progression. The study was designed to be a descriptive study and analyzed using content analysis technique. The findings revealed that Covid-19 pandemic drove the Nigeria economy into hyperinflation. The study therefore concluded since the overall business environment was particularly tough for the Nigeria economy in 2020, largely driven by the excruciating high cost of goods. The government should take a proactive steps in fixing the economy and get the economy back on track and further recommended that the federal government through the fiscal and monetary authorities should develop and provide stimulus packages and growth incentives to investors especially small and medium scale industries that will enable them increase investment and productivity in the country and get the economy back on track.
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Author(s):
Abdullahi Walla Hamisu, Sume Gerald Etapelong, Isiaka Hassan Ayodeji, Zakari Furera, Nuhu Ningi, Abdullateef Jimoh, Braka Fiona, Richard Banda, Sisay G. Tegegne, Augustine Ajogwu, Josephine Nwachukwu, Doris John, Saddiq Abdurrahman, Fatima Ahmed, Lawal adesola, Nwachukwu Teresa, Ogunleye Adesola, Aguye Rahmat, Adedire Elizabeth, Taiwo Lydia.
Page No : 98-110
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Assessment of the Contribution of Community Active Surveillance to COVID-19 Case Detection in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global pandemic. Effective surveillance is needed to monitor disease trends, guide risk assessments and ultimately control the spread of the disease. Community active disease surveillance is a process of ensuring community participation in detecting, reporting, responding to and monitoring health events in the community. Objective: The objective of this study is to highlight the significant contribution of community active surveillance to the detection of community transmission of COVID-19 cases in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the performance of COVID-19 surveillance in the FCT, Abuja with particular focus on the community active surveillance between April 13 to May 18, 2020. We identified COVID-19 high risk communities in which nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples from both symptomatic and asymptomatic community members were collected. Samples were analyzed at the National Reference Laboratory of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Gaduwa, Abuja. We evaluated the performance of COVID-19 surveillance both before and during community active surveillance. We also analyzed the epidemiological profile of confirmed COVID-19 cases from the COVID-19 database of the Public Health Department of the FCT, Abuja. Results: A total of 2,753 suspected and 205 confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported during the study period. The number of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases reported before the community active surveillance initiation was 3,876 and 212 respectively. The settlements with the highest (85) number of COVID-19 Laboratory confirmed cases during the community active surveillance were Mabushi in the Municipal Council area. The male to female ratio of the COVID-19 confirmed cases was 3:1. The majority of confirmed COVID-19 cases i.e., 57% belonged to age group between 20 to 39 years with mean age of 36 years. Conclusion: Community active surveillance has significantly improved detection of COVID-19 cases and has highlighted the burden of community transmission of the disease. There is the need to expand this approach to other area councils in the FCT. In addition, COVID-19 surveillance should be intensified in the health facilities. Timely detection, reporting, isolation and management of confirmed cases as well as contact tracing and monitoring are essential to curbing the spread of COVID-19.
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Author(s):
Oluwasegun Peter Aluko, Ph.D..
Page No : 111-125
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Covid-19 Pandemic In Nigeria: The Response Of The Christian Church
Abstract
The advent of the novel coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria on 27th February, 2020 evinces different responses from the Christian Church. As the nation began to witness regular increase in the number of confirmed cases of the virus, government both at the federal and state levels imposed a lockdown on the country. This study looks at the various responses of the Christian Church to the happenings in the country with the emergence of the virus and the subsequent lockdown of the whole country. The data collected for the study were analysed using socio-historical approach.
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Author(s):
Suleiman Iguda Ladan.
Page No : 126-139
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Response to the Spread of Coronavirus by Katsina State Government, Nigeria
Abstract
The continent of Asia has in the last two decades became the origin of disease outbreaks that affected the continent and areas beyond. These disease outbreaks include SARS-CoV-1 that broke out in the year 2003 and MERS that broke out in the year 2012. The most recent is SARS-CoV-2 otherwise referred to as Coronavirus or COVID-19 that broke out in 2019 at Hubei Province of China and then spread rapidly to other parts of the world emerging as a significant public health threat. The disease has since spread to Africa with Nigeria presently ranked the third most infected country after South Africa and Egypt. Federal and State Governments in Nigeria have adopted a number of measures to respond to the spread of disease. This article examines the response to the spread of coronavirus by Katsina State Government. Data for the study were generated mainly from secondary sources and informal discussions with some of the people of the State. The results have shown that the State Government has responded adequately by adopting a number of measures to contain the spread of the disease. These responses closure of schools and inter-state borders, imposition of lockdowns on affected Local Government Areas, creation of working committees and mobile courts, and a number of directives to business owners and transporters among others. These responses however have certain limitations and have generated many complains from the people of the State. It is therefore recommended that the State Government should tackle the limitations and address complains for more effective responses to the spread of diseases.
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Author(s):
Dr. Nwagu Marcellinus Uchechukwu, Dr. Adeyemi Oluwafemi, Prof. Omoti Caroline Edijana.
Page No : 140-152
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Covid-19: A Review of the Impacts and Implications on Haematology and Haematological Parameters
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease is a viral disease which originated from China in late 2019 and has spread to the entire surface of the earth. The clinical symptoms are usually due to the effect on the respiratory system which is the main target of the infection. This review is to find out the effect of the disease on Haematology and haematological parameters. Materials and methods: A review based on theoretical and empirical literature was done through internet search engines such as Google, Pubmed, Medline, Journals and books. The literature search spans 2003-2020. Results: A total of 103 publications were reviewed. Most of them were international articles. The review revealed that not much has been published on the effect of covid-19 on Haematology in general and the haematological parameters in particular. The main findings include lymphopenia, increased neutrohil lymphocyte ratio and thrombocytopenia. The Anti-thrombin (AT) levels were found to be lower in covid-19 patients compared to their healthy controls. D-dimer and FDP were elevated and found to be especially predictive of disease progression. Transfusion of convalescent plasma has shown improvement of clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters within few days after the transfusion. Conclusion: There is quite some level of impact of covid-19 on Haematology and haematological parameters, just as it also affects other systems, and specialties/sub-specialties. However, there is room for more research in determining more extensive involvement of the disease on haematological parameters.
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Author(s):
Hakeem Olalekan Shittu, Mathew Lawani, Mary Aisagbonhi, Solomon Nkwor.
Page No : 153-170
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Molecular Diagnostics of Covid-19
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral pneumonia, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease spread via respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes from an infected individual. Symptoms range from mild to severe and even fatal, as at June 28, 2020, a total of 501,891 deaths have been recorded. Age, medical conditions, genes, sex and previous immunizations of an infected person affect severity of COVID-19. Early and accurate diagnosis helps to reduce health and socio-economic impacts of the disease, as inaccurate results may spike infection rate. The current article is a review on the various molecular diagnostics for detecting viral pathogens. Among these techniques, the Real Time Reverse Transcription-PCR, offers an effective and accurate method for detection and diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. There is no known cure for the disease, therefore it is advisable to take preventive measures to slow down infection rate before effective treatments and vaccines become available.
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Author(s):
Ajao I. O., Awogbemi C. A., Ilugbusi A. O..
Page No : 171-181
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Vector Autoregressive Models for Multivariate Time Series Analysis on Covid-19 Pandemic in Nigeria
Abstract
In this paper, we have been to use vector autoregressive (VAR) models for modeling and forecasting covid-19 variables with special focus on Nigeria cases from 1st march to 10th June 2020. At lag of order 2, the hypothesis of non-stationary is rejected at 5% level for all the multivariate variables using the augmented Dickey Fuller and Phillips-Perron unit root tests. The Granger causality test results indicate that there is a bivariate causal relationship among the variables by rejecting the null hypothesis of no Granger causality. The determinants of confirmed cases, new cases, and total deaths from covid-19 are generally significant at 5% level with p-value 0.0001 in each of the three derived models. The criteria AIC and log-likelihood implemented on the models confirmed that the VAR model of order 2 gives a better model for predictions and forecasts of covid-19 cases in Nigeria. This paper recommends a suitable model for handling multivariate time series data and suggests a reliable approach for forecasting future cases of covid-19 variables in the country and help health policy makers in finding solution to the unceasing upward trend in the cases of the pandemic.
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Author(s):
Paulo Manuel L. Macapagal.
Page No : 182-187
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COVID-19: Psychological Impact
Abstract
The world is thrown into chaos because of the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from Wuhan, China, and now life for the people around the globe has gone into a standstill. This has brought unprecedented efforts to institute the practice of physical distancing (or “social distancing”) and shutdowns of usual day-to-day functioning. Research has shown that people are not only affected physically but mentally and psychologically as well, resulting in resulting in national behavioural patterns, such as spikes in mental health-related problems. This article aims to describe the psychological impact of COVID-19 onto the lives of people around the world. The pandemic has a “profound and pervasive impact” on global mental health as billions of people struggle to cope with isolated living and anxiety spikes, as showed by imposed mass quarantine applied by nationwide lockdown programs which had produced mass hysteria, anxiety and distress amongst other things. Due to the psychology of uncertainty, it causes tremendous anxiety on an individual, especially by uncertainty in the future. However certain values upheld by people can help mitigate the mindset of uncertainty, shifting one’s uncertainty to a more positive and productive outlook. In conclusion, the best psychological response to the pandemic would be to build up one's psychological resiliency, and do our part by spreading awareness and positivity, by spreading hope, being empathetic and understanding those who are struggling due to the effects of COVID-19, as well as those who are suffering because of the disease.
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Author(s):
Abdullahi Walla Hamisu, Sume Gerald Etapelong, Isiaka Hassan Ayodeji, Zakari Furera, Nuhu Ningi, Abdullateef Jimoh, Braka Fiona, Richard Banda, Sisay G. Tegegne, Augustine Ajogwu, Josephine Nwachukwu, Doris John, Saddiq Abdurrahman, Fatima Ahmed, Lawal Adesola, Nwachukwu Teresa.
Page No : 188-196
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Epidemiology of Covid-19 in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria, 2020
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global pandemic. COVID-19 epidemiology varies from one area to another. Appreciation of local COVID-19 epidemiology allows for better understanding of its distribution, description, transmission and risk patterns, clinical course, and management. In addition, through better understanding of COVID-19 epidemiology, socio-cultural factors that exacerbate the disease are revealed, hence control measures can be identified. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the epidemiological characteristics and transmission patterns of COVID-19 cases in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the COVID-19 database in the Public Health Department of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja from the confirmation of initial case on March 20th, 2020 to June 30th, 2020. We evaluated the performance of COVID-19 surveillance, determined the epidemiological characteristics of confirmed COVID-19 cases, the transmissibility of the disease, and identified groups of people at higher risk of contracting the disease and those at higher risk of dying from the disease. Results: A total of 1,870 confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported during the study period. Of these confirmed cases, a total of 1,198(64%) were males. The number of deaths among confirmed cases was 33 (CFR, 1.8%). The male to female ratio of the confirmed cases was 3:1 and the most (56%) affected age group was 20-40 years with mean age of 36 years (range: 6 months to 87 years). The number of COVID-19 cases among health workers was 158. The number of contacts line listed was 3,358 out of which 3,266(97%) were followed up and 92(3%) were lost to follow up. The case to contact ratio was 1.8 and the number of contacts that were positive for COVID-19 was 85(2.6%). The basic reproductive number (R) based on the SEIR model ranged from 1.1-1.4 Conclusion: There was intense transmission of COVID-19 in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja during the study period. The surveillance for COVID-19 should extend to other area councils apart from the Municipal council. Timely detection, reporting, isolation and management of confirmed cases as well as contact tracing and monitoring are essential to curbing the spread of COVID-19.
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Author(s):
Abdullahi Walla Hamisu, Sume Gerald Etapelong, Isiaka Hassan Ayodeji, Zakari Furera, Nuhu Ningi, Abdullateef Jimoh, Braka Fiona, Richard Banda, Sisay G. Tegegne, Augustine Ajogwu, Josephine Nwachukwu, Doris John, Saddiq Abdurrahman, Fatima Ahmed, Lawal Adesola, Nwachukwu Teresa.
Page No : 197-203
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Gender Dimensions of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic. Gender and health refer to the socially constructed differences and the power relations between women and men, as a determinant of health. Disease outbreaks aggravate gender inequalities for women and men. Women play important roles in curbing the current COVID-19 outbreak that put them at increased risk of exposure including working as frontline healthcare workers, caregivers at home, and as mobilizers in their communities. Other gender barriers that put women at risk include limited access to information, lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, and other socio-cultural practices. Treating women and men equally is the right and smart thing to do, is entrenched in human rights and is in keeping with the United Nations’ System-Wide Action Plan for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. Objective: The objective of this study is to highlight the significance and implications of COVID-19 gender analysis and sex-disaggregated data in the in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the COVID-19 database in the Public Health Department of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja with particular focus on the confirmed COVID-19 cases between the start of the outbreak on March 20, to May 31, 2020. We analyzed the data by age, sex, location, travel history and outcome. Results: The number of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases during the study period was 8,722 and 660, respectively. Of the 660 confirmed cases, 204 where females and 456 were males. The number of deaths was 10 out of which 9 were males. The mean age of all the confirmed COVID-19 cases was 35 years with a range of 6 months to 87 years. All the confirmed cases came from five (Municipal, Bwari, Abaji, Gwagwalada and Kuje) out of the six area councils of the FCT. A total of 70 of the confirmed cases had prior international travel history to areas affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Of these 70 with travel history, 44 were women. Conclusion: Men and women have the same COVID-19 prevalence, but men are more at risk of severe form of the disease including dying from it.
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Author(s):
Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim.
Page No : 204-213
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Socio-Political Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Human Existence and Society: A Critical Analysis
Abstract
The paper delves into the socio-political impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human existence and analyses the dynamics of human society during the hey days of the virus attack on global community. Using descriptive research, findings show that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a great impact on the political and social aspect of human race worldwide. It has succeeded in changing policy formulation process, political meetings, public relations, educational institutions, human relations and community life among others. The paper concludes that, if the COVID-19 is not aggressively fought and conditions adhered to, the unfavorable changes that have occurred due to the pandemic have come to stay and may continue to affect humanity in the long run. The paper recommends alternative research strategies on how to deal with the virus and how to eliminate it permanently for better human society, political development and social interactions among other things.
