Health associations in Nigeria are urging government action to improve the safety of healthcare workers following a Lassa fever outbreak that has resulted in the death of one doctor and infections among 15 others.
In Nigeria, the Nigerian Medical Association and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors have raised urgent concerns regarding the safety of healthcare workers amidst a Lassa fever outbreak that has led to the tragic death of a colleague and infected 15 other medical staff. The associations have appealed to the Federal Government to enhance the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) across hospitals to safeguard healthcare workers from this highly contagious virus. They emphasized that the current environment in many hospitals is inadequate, lacking essential safety measures and sanitary conditions.
The representatives of these associations highlighted broader systemic issues, including the overwork, exhaustion, and burnout faced by healthcare providers, exacerbated by insufficient protective measures. They pointed out the dire state of many healthcare facilities that struggle with basic amenities like clean water and electricity, which are necessary for maintaining proper hygiene and operational standards. The call for comprehensive medical insurance for doctors also underscored the urgent need for structural changes in Nigeria’s healthcare system to better support its workforce and patients alike.
Additionally, these groups are advocating for the establishment of biomedical molecular laboratories in each state for expedited diagnosis of infectious diseases, as well as ongoing training for healthcare workers on infection prevention protocols. This multifaceted approach aims not only to protect healthcare workers but also to improve the overall healthcare system's response to similar outbreaks in the future, ensuring that health workers are not left vulnerable while caring for affected patients.
