COVID -19 has affected everyone in the whole world; however, the vulnerable populations have found it even harder to cope with the virus. In Africa, the number of positive Coronavirus cases is growing very fast, despite the strict measures put across by most governments. In Nigeria, the situation isn’t any different. The heart of Lagos in the Okababa Destitute Home, inhabitants living here are some of the most vulnerable populations in Nigeria’s society. Many escaped the insecurity in the north of the country, and others suffer from underlying health issues, which make them susceptible to the virus.
Lagos’s Vulnerable Population.
Some of Nigeria’s vulnerable people live here. Many fled the north because of the ongoing instability. They rely on charitable donations for everything they need to survive. The people are, however, grateful that they are still brought for supplies, although they would want it increased because of the number of people in the community, which includes both the healthy and the sick.
Wearing face masks in public is not a choice in Lagos. The government has issued strict measures of wearing masks in public spaces. However, residents of Okobaba cannot afford to buy them.
“I came back from the market and told the residents about the importance of wearing face masks. Everyone should wear a face mask,” says Jubril Adams.
Jubril Adams is a resident of Okobaba. He bought face masks worth $13 and shared it among the other residents, but it wasn’t enough. The residents requested more mask donations for them, as many were left without any.
Lagos Residents Doubt the COVID Pandemic.
Social distancing in densely populated areas is hard to achieve. The population in Okababa is over 2000, and this makes it almost impossible for them to practice social distancing. Some of the people wouldn’t have a place to stay. Also, most of the residents still think the virus is a hoax.
“Not everyone here believes there is a virus. People don’t believe it’s existence until they see it, and that’s wrong,” says Suraju Saleh, a resident in Okababa.
Despite the place not registering any infections or deaths from Covid-19, many living here are vulnerable and are considered at high risk. Some of the residents, however, keep monitoring every one to see if anyone shows any symptoms.
“We are scared too because we have children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.”
Furthermore, the worrying issue is, if the virus enters the community it may get out of hand
Coronavirus Development in Nigeria.
Covid-19 cases in Nigeria are escalating gradually. Nigeria currently registers 50,964 positive Coronavirus cases. 37,569 recovered cases in the locality—992 deaths since the first Covid-19 case was tested positive. On August 20, 476, new cases were recorded. New daily positive cases keep escalating compared to the previous months. Seven new deaths were recorded on the same day. The country currently records 12403 active cases.
However, with the above statistics, the nation has tested less than 1% of its 200 million population despite it having the largest population. This is due to the challenges the country is facing in the Covid-19 testing.
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