We provide Instant breaking news alerts and information about the day's most talked-about stories around Nigeria, Africa and the world trending news.
The World Health Organisation, WHO, has donated 26 ventilators and 3,560 fingertip oxygen pulse for the management of patients in isolation and treatment facilities, as well as home-based patients in Nigeria.
The Country Representative, Walter Kazadi, presented the donation to the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, with the third wave now upon the country, the expectations from all are not any less.
He added that “it is against this backdrop we wish to demonstrate our continued support of the ministry’s efforts in further strengthening the country’s capacity in case management.
He said: “This is in addition to our ongoing support across all pillars of the country’s COVID-19 response at federal and state levels.
As of the beginning of August 2021, about 15 months into the outbreak, Nigeria reached 175,264 confirmed cases, the majority (over 94 per cent) had been successfully treated and discharged. Unfortunately, 2,163 died,’’ he added.
He added that the donation would also help to address identified gaps in readiness for the third wave that was being driven by the COVID-19 Delta variant.
Mr Ehanire thanked the organisation and UN agencies that had contributed in training staff to carry out their functions properly.
He said the ministry would ensure adequate distribution of the items donated as some areas may need it more than others.
According to him, the equipment will help to reduce mortality in the country.
NAN