The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has strengthened the capacity of the Guild of Medical Directors (GMD) on preparedness and control of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
Speaking during the training programme in Abuja , Chairperson of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) branch of the association , Dr Chito Nwana said it was aimed at building the capacity of private health care workers on the prevention and control of COVID-19.
She said: “The training was facilitated by the Infection Prevention and Control team of the NCDC to cover an overview of the epidemiology of COVID-9, how to screen all patients when they present at hospitals, how to isolate those that raise red flags as well as notify the NCDC of any potential suspect. “
Nwana said 200 members drawn from 100 health facilities in Abuja were trained, adding that the NCDC team would also train GMD members in Lagos and other parts of the country.
Nwana said the association plans to set up a committee that would assist hospitals to develop protocols or standard operating procedures on infection prevention and control.
The infection Prevention and Control Lead of NCDC, Dr Tochi Okwor called on Nigerians to verify all information they got on COVID-19, adding that there was a lot of misinformation circulating amongst the populace and the social media.
“The NCDC is the national public health care institute , and one source where people can get correct information about the virus,” he said.
The Deputy Director, Special duties NCDC, Dr Priscilla Ibekwe said the training would also help the private sector notify of COVID-19 and other diseases as well remind health workers on their role in reducing infections.
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