By Johnson Adebowale
About four years ago, the world was shut down by the corona virus, popularly known as COVID 19.
Movement restrictions were imposed while business premises were closed.
This resulted in serious economic hardship because Nigeria is a very populous country with a high number of low-income earners who depend on their daily efforts to get food for their families. Although government and public-spirited individuals responded with some palliative measures, the interventions were compromised.
About four years after the global pandemic, new variants of the virus have been evolving and throwing people into panic. But a medical expert said it is too early to raise the alarm, even as he advocated surveillance.
In this chat, the chairman of Global Prolife Alliance (GPA) and Chidicon Medical Centre, Dr. Philip Njemanze, said that although
the new variant of the COVID-virus has not been discovered in Nigeria, but the country should be vigilant.
He said: “The strain has not been detected by any laboratory in Nigeria as of this time, and the ministry (of health) confirmed that. So, we can be rest assured that there is no prevalence.
“But that does not diminish the emergency that we have in terms of having good surveillance. Surveillance must always be there even though we have not detected the strain in any of our laboratories so far, nobody has reported a documented case.
“To that extent, I think we should not be too worried that the strain is here. The problem we have with this pandemic is that it creates a lot of chaos and a lot of fear and anxiety in society that is actually not warranted.
“When we look at disease prevalence, we are looking at mortality and morbidity. This is what defines the severity of the disease. It’s not because it’s even virulent. We have the common cold almost all through the year, and it is even more virulent and contagious than the COVID variant.
“At this time, we can only say yes, we are particularly maintaining heightened surveillance, and that’s the correct attitude we need to have. We must make sure that reported cases are properly investigated, screened in laboratories, and, if we should find this strain, ensure we have the appropriate preparations for it.
“I think Nigeria came out very well in the last pandemic, and I have no fears that we will do the same again. The doctors, both in the private and public sectors, are very much aware of this XEC variant, and they are vigilant. If anyone were to show up in any public or private hospital, I think the person would be screened for this.”
Asked what is responsible for the various variants emanating and why it appears there is no end to it, Njemanze said: “We’ve had Omicron, we’ve had other variants, and now we have the XEC variant. Yes, but this is actually the nature of viral infection because there is constant mutation. There’s no way of stopping that natural process.
“The question is, though these mutations occur, most of them don’t go on to spread or become important virulent strains. But we know that this will happen. We have multiple mutations even of the common cold virus.
“Every season, though nobody announces it or gives it a name, these mutations occur regularly. So it’s of little concern that we are having these variants.
“The good thing is, the force of this virus is weakening compared to what happened two years ago. There is a very clear difference now. We are getting to the point of saturation — both natural saturation and the familiarity and education of the public.
“The common steps people take — good personal hygiene, covering your mouth when you cough or having a bent elbow, using sanitizers, face masks, physical distancing, vigilance, and getting tested in a hospital or public health institution of any kind – are still very effective.
“This campaign and public education is very welcome so that people will be aware. The most important thing is to prevent public panic. Panic really does not do anything for preparedness.
“It only heightens anxiety and actually throws off the health system. We really have major health emergencies like malaria, diarrheal diseases, heart diseases, and diabetes, which is almost at a pandemic level.
“These diseases, including COVID-19 variants, are not particularly important when it comes to morbidity and mortality. So I think we really need to re-educate the public about this, and I think the ministry’s message is correct.”
Again, asked now that this variant has spread to 29 countries at the last count, is it not just a matter of time before it gets to Nigeria considering that Nigerians are regular travelers, Njemanze: Yes, of course. Nigerians are everywhere, as you rightly pointed out, and they’re flying in and flying out. So we should expect and be prepared that we will also get this variant.
“The most important thing is that we know it is coming. If we can detect where it is coming from and take the necessary actions to isolate those people and get them treated, this is very important.
“The most crucial aspect of our vigilance is testing. Testing in hospitals, both in the private sector and public sector, is key.
“I think by now, what should be done by the ministry of health is to have testing centres at the ward level. If there is one good thing about the whole pandemic, it has shown us that all healthcare is local.
“This means the most important thing in dealing with any disease outbreak is how prepared the local healthcare system is at the local government and ward levels. Even if we have the best laboratories in Abuja and Lagos, they won’t make our system better. It is better to have detection centres even at the ward level.”
Are there other preventive measures Nigerians should take apart from what they were taught previously? Njemanze answered: “The old measures always work. What we were told – ensuring personal hygiene, washing hands, and using soap regularly – is still very effective.
“The use of sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol is very important. Not spreading aerosols in public spaces by covering your mouth, using handkerchiefs, or tissue paper when coughing, and wearing face masks, are still crucial.
“Physical distancing where possible and vigilance in monitoring symptoms are also important. If your temperature is rising, or you’re coughing or sneezing, it’s better to get tested. The worst that can happen is the result comes back negative, and you’re relieved.
“Regular health alerts from the ministry and health authorities will go a long way in reminding people of what to do. These alerts should not cause alarm but educate and strengthen public confidence.”
When asked if there is a chance that those who have been vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 could be immune to these variants, Njemanze said: “That is difficult to say. The conventional wisdom is that there might be some degree of protection.
“However, when these variants emerge, they might not have the same antigenic characteristics. That’s why it’s called a mutation — the nature of the virus has changed.
“So, vaccination might not work as well, and this has to be seen in practice. It is something doctors will determine once the infection is in the country.”