Covid-19: FG urged to build structure for mgt of national bio-security 

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Stakeholders at the National COVID-19 Summit, have called on the federal government to consider building a structure for the management of national bio-security.

A communique issued at the end of the summit themed; “Pushing through the Last Mile to End the Pandemic and Build Back Better”, added that the coordination structure under the Presidential Steering Committee should be sustained in line with current global practice and recognising the persisting threat of COVID-19.

“Considering the impact of COVID-19 on developing economies, which has worsened their debt situation, Nigeria should galvanise other nations to call for debt relief so that resources could be channelled towards building the national bio-security and improve access to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

“The current level of engagement with the organised private sector in strengthening the health sector should be encouraged and sustained.

“The “One Health” Strategy and the requirements under the International Health Regulation should be pursued vigorously.”

The communique also said Nigeria should galvanise the support of African countries in the collaborative process to end COVID-19 pandemic on the continent and build back stronger public health systems.

“For impact measurement and effective evaluation of the national response, the collaboration between national and sub-national entities should be strengthened.

“The capacity and numbers of human resources for health should be improved and strengthened.

“The Summit urged that for improved partnership on Primary health care delivery and vaccination uptake, Government should strengthen the collaboration between the national and sub-national entities.

“The Summit agreed that going forward, the resolutions should be measurable with timelines to track and report on progress on implementation.”