An NGO, Asido Foundation, on Tuesday called for urgent need to strengthen the health workforce on the frontline fighting against the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in the country.
Dr Jibril Abdulmalik, Founder of Asido Foundation made the call in an interview with Our Correspondent, on Tuesday, in Abuja on the World Health Day celebration.
Our Correspondent reports that the World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on April 7, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other related organisations.
In 1948, WHO held the first World Health Assembly, which decided to celebrate April 7, of each year, with effect from 1950, as the World Health Day.
The World Health Day is held to mark WHO’s founding and is seen as an opportunity by the organisation to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health each year.
Abdulmalik, who is a also Consultant Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer, University College Hospital, Ibadan, called on the Federal Government to do everything to support nurses and midwives do their jobs and be safe.
“It is time for the government to be thankful to them and celebrate the vital roles they play in providing health care, especially on the frontlines in the fight against COVID19 in the country.
“Now more than ever the government should be thankful for their commitment and hard work.
“Nurses and midwives understand the healthcare systems and health for all like no-one else.
“They check the patients’ temperature and other vital signs, respond to their needs, give them their medicines.
“Today is April 7, World Health Day, set aside by the WHO to draw attention to pressing health needs every year.
“The theme for this year (2020) focuses on highlighting and celebrating Nurses and Midwives for their hard work,” he noted.
He urged Nigerians to appreciate the service rendered by the nurses and midwives.
“Right now being at home, the daily workout should be a part of our routine so that we keep ourselves fit and fine during the time of home quarantine.
“Battling with emotional difficulties in these trying times of COVID-19.
“If any Nigerian think they might need some help or want to be sure they are speaking to a competent mental health professional (Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologist, or Psychiatric Nurse, they should send us a message and we will provide them with our expertise for free.
“Asido Foundation, lets make Nigeria a better place. One person at a time,” he said.
NAN reports that the Asido Foundation a new entrant on the Nigerian landscape, is a not-for-profit organisation.
It seeks to counter the ignorance around mental health issues across the lifespan by providing evidence based information.
It has started engaging in advocacy and intervention activities aimed at improving the mental health needs of the Nigerian population.
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