Seyi Oniyangi, a consultant paediatrician and former chairperson of the Medical Advisory Committee, National Hospital Abuja, says symptoms of COVID-19 are still evolving and advised continued caution.

During a lecture on Saturday in Ilorin, Ms Oniyangi said symptoms of COVID-19 range from zero (asymptomatic) to life-threatening presentations.

She said humanity was not out of the woods yet as COVID-19 could affect multiple organs in the body, cause clotting problems, and death in 60 years and above.

Ms Oniyangi observed that despite the huge health care difference between Africa and the West, the continent had the least number of cases of COVID -19.

“Furthermore, in most rural African settings, our elderly live with us at home rather than in care facilities for the elderly where the disease has ravaged.

“African climate and geography which favour outdoor living where close contact and aerosol dissipation are reduced might decrease the chances of infection occurring,” she said.

The expert reiterated that infection prevention and control measures were among the most effective tools available to contain the COVID-19 virus in health facilities and the community.

She, therefore, urged the federal government to ensure efforts towards the actualisation of 60 per cent vaccination by 2023 and the global vaccine distribution mechanism COVAX goal of 20 per cent by 2022.

Ms Oniyangi also advised the government at all levels to strengthen the health care sector, particularly, to cope more effectively with the pandemic. 

(NAN)