The Developing-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8), has pledged to support Nigeria mitigate the health and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Ado Muhammad, Director of D-8 Health and Social Programme (HSP) told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that the organisation will support Nigeria to establish resilient post-pandemic health system.
D-8 is an organisation for development co-operation among Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia and Turkey.
Muhammad, a former Executive Directive, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, said that measures had been put in place, to develop vaccines and cure for the disease.
“The D-8 is in regular contact with authorities in Nigeria; we are assessing the needs for member countries, when that is done we will proceed with support base on context and needs.
“It will interest you to know that we are working with a globally respected research institution.
“We are willing to be supporting the government of Nigeria with high quality but low cost ventilators, as part of D-8 support amongst others for the pandemic.
“We are currently discussing with Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to site the factory for the production in Nigeria post pandemic.
“This is a huge foreign direct investment into the economy that will not only create employment, but generate foreign exchange for the economy due to product export,” Muhammad said.
He said also that the D-8 solidarity for COVID-19 would provide support in areas of commodities, technology, equipment, pharmaceuticals and other needed items for member countries.
Muhammad said the D-8 plans to reach out to member countries, where some produce PPEs, ventilators, and other pharmaceuticals, also facilitate easy transfer and export at very low cost across member countries.
He, therefore, said that scientists from D-8 member countries would partner other researchers to establish potential COVID-19 treatment of infected cases and the vaccines for prevention of the disease.
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The director noted that the D-8 would commence assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on the national economies of the member states-disaggregate data on GDP, Employment and poverty
According to him, “there is hope that our resolve will be achieved and realised to allow normalcy return to humanity, and also promote sustainable basic health care services in member countries.
“Unfortunately this is happening at a time the world has set a goal of attaining Universal Health Coverage, which ensures equal access to basic health care services for citizens, by 2030.
“This can reverse progress already made on SDGs for some countries, equally provide opportunity for countries with weak health systems to strive for resilience and improve what is available at the moment.
“The D-8 is committed through the health and social protection platform to support member countries mitigate health and social impact of the pandemic and facilitate establishment of resilient post-pandemic health systems.
“We are currently consulting with member countries and global health players; in the coming weeks we will come up with best approach to support our members in this trying time.
“From challenge in this pandemic, we will unlock the market potentials of the health value chain through inter-trade, manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, equipment, clinical-trial for vaccines and Personal Protective Equipment,” he added.
He observed that the most developing countries health systems had limited capacity to deliver quality care and absorb the pandemic; saying overall approach was focused on containment and aggressive preventive measures.
Muhammad described the ongoing lockdown as trying time for everyone, advising that people should always engage their minds, do regular exercise and for families to bond more and protect one another.
He said that mental frustration could result from sitting at a spot for too long and that people should do physical exercise to maintain excellent immune function, while maintaining social distance.
He also said that the D-8 social protection policy would ensure the safety and protection of vulnerable group, children, people with disability, women and girls, and elderly through various health packages.
