Covid-19: Society lauds FG non pharmaceutical measures of combating pandemic
Chima Azubuike
Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM), has lauded the Federal Government in it effort to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, especially the application of non pharmaceutical methods.
The group stated this in a statement marking the end of the 43rd scientific conference and annual general meeting in Port Harcourt, signed by the president Prof. Mohammed Yerima and Dr. Bamidele Odumosu Publicity Secretary.
According to the proceedings which was obtained by Periscope Nigeria, it discussed issues bordering on national economic development and mitigation of COVID-19 pandemic, in bringing to the fore importance of microbiology in economic recovery in post-COVID
era.
The group said, “There is need for government to fully recognize the enormous role of Microbiologists and microbes in Nigeria’s effort in combating the pandemic threats and
diversification of the economy.
“The current challenges can be blamed on inadequate government support and
funding towards indigenous development of vaccines.
“There is need to applaud the government for effective non-pharmaceutical measures in
combating the ravaging virus.”
While calling for synergy between the town and the gown, NSM noted that science has taken the back seat due to lack of funding and support.
“There is need for more collaboration between the academia, research institutes and industries for
the benefit of the nation.
“Microbes can be engineered and utilized as a cheap and alternative source of energy and power
generation.
“That government is not paying critical attention to funding innovative researches in Microbiology
which are capable of solving a lot of economic problems as seen in other developed and
developing nations of the world.
“Over-dependence on foreign innovations and scientific outputs have relegated Nigerian scientists to the backseat, and discouraged indigenization of technology. This ought not to be.
“Nigeria as a developing country is yet to fully acknowledge the economic potentials of novel microbes in national development, this must be fully addressed.
“Government and corporate bodies should devote more funds to Microbiology research and
encourage collaboration between the Society and relevant government agencies towards ameliorating the problems bedevilling the nation,” the statement partly added.
