The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Yobe state government have
yesterday; celebrated with survivors of the coronavirus (COVID-19)
pandemic.
Rejoicing with survivors Thursday in Damaturu, WHO’s Public Health
Officer, Dr. Ibrahim Salisu, disclosed that; “Even though there was
need to put more effort in the fight against COVID-19, we have to
celebrate the remarkable achievements and the milestones already
recorded since April.”
He said the global health agency and Ministry of Health; are
celebrating government efforts and people recovered and discharged
from the COVID-19 pandemic isolation centre.
“It is important to emphasise that we still have some work to do,” he
noted, adding that they will relentlessly continue with COVID-19
fight.
The State’s Commissioner oif Health, Dr. Muhammed Gana, said that the
aim of celebration of was to minimize trauma among recovered and
discharged patients.
According to him; for COVID-19 survivors to have boldly and
voluntarily shared their experiences, they really deserve to be
celebrated.
Gana, who was represented by his Permanent Secretary, Hamidu Muhammed;
said that the testimonies would re-emphasise the existence of the
virus as against erroneous believe of some people.
He added that it will also boost the hope of those receiving treatment
for COVID-19 disease.
Some of the survivors shared their experiences and advised the public
to adhere to the protocols that guard against being infected.
Dauda Abare, a survivor, said when his test result turned positive, he
became emotionless for about two minutes, stating that; “the
information was like a death sentence at first.”
“After my stay at the isolation centre for two weeks, with the help of
health workers, I found out that it was not the end of my life.
“I was given psychological support and I was well taken care of, as I
received medications and enough good food all through my stay.”
Abare advised people to get tested as soon as they noticed any
symptoms of COVID-19 as listed by medical personnel.
Hauwa Abare, a COVID-19 survivor and a nurse, also said she contracted
the virus, while in the front lines of the pandemic.
She commended the support and care she had from other medical health
workers, while recuperating from isolation centre.
Continued; she said: “While at the centre, the officials calmed me
down and gave me courage.
“This enabled me continue with my life under medication and their supervision.
“After two weeks at the centre, I tested negative and I was discharged.”
She therefore; urged members of the public to always observe COVID-19
protocols of respiratory etiquettes, social/physical distancing and to
wear face masks.
