The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) says infection prevention and control (IPC) measures remain fully in place across the state’s primary healthcare centres.
Its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, assured reporters this following reports of a new COVID-19 case in Cross River State.
Mustafa stressed that Lagos has not lowered its guard, noting that protocols introduced before and during the pandemic continue to be enforced in all primary health facilities to curb the spread of infectious diseases.
“We cannot say COVID-19 has completely left us. Vaccination has improved immunity, making most infections milder and less likely to result in severe outcomes,” he said.
He credited widespread vaccination and booster doses for strengthening herd immunity, significantly reducing both transmission and severity of the virus in the community.
“Many residents received multiple doses during the peak of the pandemic, which increased population-level protection.”
However, Mustafa revealed that COVID-19 vaccines are currently out of stock nationwide, stressing that the Federal Government is working to secure additional supplies.
“We had vaccines before, but they have been exhausted. The government is working to replenish stock, and once available, the public will have access again,” he said.
Mustafa emphasised that IPC protocols, intensified during the pandemic, are now a routine part of healthcare delivery and cover a wide range of infectious diseases.
Core measures in PHCs include regular hand hygiene, use of alcohol-based sanitisers when running water is unavailable, and mandatory mask use for individuals with respiratory symptoms.
Healthcare workers are also required to follow strict clinical hygiene practices, including using gloves per patient and proper disposal to prevent cross-contamination.
“Handwashing before and after patient contact is critical. These simple measures protect both health workers and patients,” he said.
While infrastructure and supplies for IPC are largely in place, he acknowledged the need to strengthen compliance and awareness among healthcare workers and the public.
He warned that lapses in basic infection control could increase vulnerability not only to COVID-19 but also to other communicable diseases.
“COVID-19 brought IPC into the spotlight, but these measures protect against all infections. We must continue to reinforce them to safeguard public health,” Mustafa said.
He also noted Nigeria’s high internal and cross-border movement as a persistent risk factor, highlighting that Lagos, as a major economic hub, remains particularly exposed.
With continued population movement and the possibility of new cases, he emphasised that sustained vigilance and public awareness are crucial to preventing future outbreaks.
Mustafa reiterated the state’s commitment to strict infection control, underscoring that preparedness is key to protecting residents’ health.
The Cross River State Government on Tuesday confirmed a fresh COVID-19 case years after the WHO declared the global emergency phase over.
Its Health Commissioner, Dr. Henry Ayuk, said the index case—a 53-year-old Chinese national working in Akamkpa Local Government Area—arrived in Nigeria on March 17, later developing symptoms and testing positive.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed the case, stating it had been isolated and managed according to standard protocols.
“The patient is in stable condition and responding to care,” NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris said.
NCDC moved to reassure the public, maintaining that there are currently no signs of widespread transmission.
“All identified contacts are being followed up, and there is no evidence of widespread transmission at this time,” Idris said.
