The United Nation says the decline in the number of confirmed cases in Nigeria shows a collapse in the demand for testing adding that it has nothing to do with the containment of the virus as earlier reported. The Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the United Nations in Nigeria Edward Kallon also called on state governments to hold institutions accountable in the containment of the virus. The UN chief said he was in Gombe on Assessment of development projects, disclosed this Tuesday, while on a courtesy call to the Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya. Kallon said he is perturbed by the controversies surrounding the covid-19 vaccine, adding that government should not abandon other health challenges. According to him, “The Covid-19 pandemic is with us for a long time until a vaccine is found and the more I listen to the politics of the vaccine production the more I get worried. “The decline in the number of confirmed cases we are hearing about is indicative of a demand in testing and has nothing to do with containment of the virus with the ongoing community transmission. “I’m happy am here with the scientists, World Health Organization so whatever I say here is what they have told us is the fact About Covid-19.” He added that the Gombe state government should own and live by example noting that it should hold institutions responsible in the combat of the virus. “Hold organizations and institutions of government accountable to ensure compliance in the non pharmaceutical measures. The WHO message to government and people is clear test isolate, and treat Covid-19 patients, trace and quarantine their contacts, inform and empower and listen to communities, keep physical distance, wear mask,” he said. On his part, the Governor of Gombe Inuwa Yahaya while stating that his government will do it best in the containment of Covid-19, said there are more serious health challenges. He said “Over 25 children were killed by malaria from one local government last week from Kwami Local government. We need to put more attention on diseases that have been with us that needs to be addressed. We need to fast track but it can’t be done without proper control on sanitation and hygiene.”
