Aug. 21, 2021
The Lagos State Government has received medical equipment and consumables from two corporate entities – the New Born Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST 360), and the Capital Market Support Committee on COVID-19 for the effective management of the third wave of the pandemic.
Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, while receiving the materials in his office from representatives of the organisations, Dr. Opeyemi Odedere of NEST 360 and Mr. Bola Ajomale of Capital Market Support Committee on COVID-19, commended the donors for recognising that the battle against the virus persists.
He disclosed that the government is currently undergoing stress in both in human and material resources as well as finance and economy because of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that donations and support from the private sector and partners have always helped to ensure that the State is a step ahead of the virus.
While noting that the State is not out of the woods yet, Abayomi said it is important to bear in mind that the virus is going around in circles, adding that it is not certain if the third wave is going to be the last wave or Lagos has to learn to live with the pandemic. He pointed out that the fight against the infection is a shared responsibility that must be borne by all for the State to triumph.
He said: “We are happy that you recognise that we are not out of the woods yet. COVID is going around in circles and waves, and as you know we are in our third wave now, we don’t know whether this will be the last wave or whether we are going to learn to live with COVID as a factor of life. We are very grateful that you recognised that the battle is still on”.
“Our objective is twofold, public health of our citizens and the economy. As a government, it is our responsibility to ensure that both our citizens and economy are healthy. So it is a delicate balance between managing a public health crisis and managing the economy”.
Giving assurance that the donated equipment and materials will be adequately deployed and put to good use, the Commissioner pointed out that the equipment will go a long way in assisting the government in its home-based case management system.
Speaking in the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, opined that the COVID-19 response in Lagos State would have been an uphill task without the support of the private sector, saying that the State government will never take any support received from the private sector for granted.
He restated the commitment of the present administration to achieving its health and environment mandate of the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, maintaining that the State government will not relent in policy making and implementation towards the provision of qualitative healthcare delivery.
Ogboye appreciated the donors and other stakeholders for extending support to the government in these perilous times, stating that the support received by the government gives a ray of hope in the onslaught against COVID-19 pandemic.
Other items donated include 400 units of KN94 face masks, 400 units of face shields, handheld pulse oximeters and 2000 units of reusable protective suits.
