The emergence of COVID-19 has tremendously impacted countries across the globe. States have been bracing about trying to control the second wave of the virus, which is fiercely spreading in countries. Although the first cases were confirmed in European countries, African states like Nigeria have started reporting high numbers. Nigerian Government Releases $16.9M for Establishment of Oxygen Plants in an effort to fight the diseases.
Oxygen Plants Project
For some time, Nigeria’s government has been working on installing oxygen plants to help in the fight against coronavirus. Recently, President Buhari of Nigeria approved $16.94 million to set up oxygen production plants in 38 sites. Health authorities stated that the aid would come in handy, especially with the escalating COVID-19 cases.
The sudden rise in the second wave of infections was unprecedented, mainly as the country did not record as much last year despite being populous. According to President Buhari, they decided during a meeting with the National Economic Council on Thursday.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved 6.45 billion nairas for the setting up of gas plants in 38 locations nationwide in a bid to enhance the treatment of COVID-19 patients who need oxygen, ” said a statement issued by the Vice President’s office.
Moreover, an extra 255 million naira that the President had approved to repair oxygen plants in five hospitals in the country. Earlier this week, the state government in Nigeria’s capital confirmed most of the outbreak, stating that they urgently needed oxygen cylinders in one of the hospitals with leading cases. The hospital reported that it required about 750 oxygen cylinders.
The State of COVID-19
Covid emergence has not been the perfect timing for countries. More so, the developing nations have confirmed significant impacts. As of Thursday, Nigeria affirmed 114691 positive covid cases and 1478 deaths. And it is quite unfortunate that the numbers continue to surge daily.
Meanwhile, vaccination campaigns have already kicked off in some parts of the world. The developed countries that recorded many cases at the start of last year have already begun administering the coronavirus vaccine. With most pharmaceutical companies situated in high-income nations, they stand a greater chance of securing enough dozes.
At the same time, most African states are at risk of controlling the virus, especially since the virus’s new variant is making rounds. Countries like South Africa have already confirmed cases of the extremely infectious variant. The new hope that everyone is turning to is vaccination. However, there is a probability most African states will not have access to the vaccine. The few who will access will engage in a fierce scramble.
Nigeria is anticipating their first doses of the vaccine by the end of February. Nonetheless, they might not be enough considering the country is highly populous and the virus is spreading like wildfire. Besides, there has been a recent debate concerning whether pharmaceutical industries in Africa should be granted permission to use technologies from abroad to manufacture the vaccines. Although the proposal has sparked mixed reactions, it may be the best idea to solve vaccine crises worldwide.
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