COVID-19: Chloroquine used only in clinical trials in Nigeria, says NCDC boss
In the last few weeks, COVID-19 infection rates have been on the decline in Nigeria and many Nigerians are wondering if the country has reached the peak of the outbreak.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu speaks to Chioma Obinna on this development and challenges in the response. He speaks on Nigeria’s case fatality while maintaining that chloroquine is only used at the clinical trials level in the country. Excerpts:
Current COVID-19 situation in Nigeria
Our review of the current situation shows that while the number of new confirmed cases has reduced, the number of samples collected has not declined drastically.
We are developing various strategies to scale up sample collection and test more people to determine the true situation. Despite the decline in new confirmed cases, we are still scaling up response activities. We continue to work very closely with states and our partners to strengthen sample collection, turnaround time, risk communications, and other response activities.
Has COVID-19 outbreak peaked in Nigeria?
We have learned from other countries that recorded their first case earlier than Nigeria did, that the trajectory of the outbreak can change based on various factors. While we have gone through months of recording very high cases, we are not reducing the intensity of our response now.
As more economic and social activities resume, more people will be in contact with each other leading to high risk of transmission.
Place of chloroquine in the response
We are very grateful for the leadership of our sister-agency, NAFDAC in the conduct of clinical trials for COVID-19.
Currently, our case management guidelines advise that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are only used in the context of clinical trials. The results from these clinical trials and other scientific processes will determine if these will be used as part of treatment modalities for COVID-19 in Nigeria.
Response in the states
The response to COVID-19 in Nigeria is a marathon and not a sprint. The work that we are doing now is not just to respond to the current outbreak, but to strengthen our capacity and prepare for future outbreaks and pandemics.
We have deployed Rapid Response Teams to support all states including Kogi and Cross-River.
