PTF conducts mid-term review of COVID-19 response strategy 

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, said on Monday the team had conducted a mid-term review of its COVID-19 National Response Strategy.

Mustapha, who disclosed this at the task force briefing in Abuja, said the objectives of the exercise included the review of PTF’s achievements, challenges, and opportunities for improvement of the response efforts from its inception to June 30.

The mid-term review was attended by legislators, Chairmen of relevant Committees on Health in the Senate and House of Representatives, the Office of the Vice President, ministers, the diplomatic community, and development partners.

Mustapha said: “The essence of the whole exercise includes the establishment of one sample collection centre per local government area and focussing on high burden LGAs with precision interventions, including increased risk communication.

“Increase community engagement, including religious leaders and state ownership by increasing state engagement and collaboration, as well as strengthening ownership at the state and local government levels.

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“Institutionalise IPC policies in healthcare facilities and take the step to increase compliance of non-pharmaceutical measures (use of face masks, hand sanitisers and physical distancing).

“Increase engagement with the private sector, industrial development as a gain from the pandemic and support local production of PPE and other critical supplies.

“Communicating that anyone above 60 years or persons with morbidities (such as hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cancers etc.), should stay at home and avoid social events as they are at the highest risk of infection and mortality.

“Government meetings/Board meetings should be conducted virtually until further notice and all unnecessary travels for meetings by government officials should be suspended till further notice.”

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