Nigeria gets India’s hydroxychloroquine to combat Covid-19

As Coronavirus pandemic peak at almost 39,000 cases, the India government has donated seven tonnes of hydroxychloroquine to Nigeria to help to tackle the crisis.

Mr Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, confirmed the donation during the daily briefing on the situation on July 23.

He said Nigerian was grateful for the assistance from the India as well as other nations and organisations in the fight against COVID-19.

“The PTF wishes to thank friendly nations and corporate organisations for their continuing support through the donation of medicines and equipment,” the SGF said.

“In this regard, we thank India for the donation of 7-tons of hydroxychloroquine for treatment of patients,” assuring that “the resources will be judiciously utilized.”

Mustapha also expressed hope that as the search for a vaccine for the pandemic continues, there will be equitable distribution, adding that there is ongoing research for a local cure to the virus.

“The message of hope is that the world continues to close its ranks in the search for a vaccine in a manner designed to guarantee rapid, fair, and equitable access worldwide,” the SGF explained.

“Back home, there has been a lot of debate on finding a local cure. While this is a plausible expectation, the PTF, other relevant institutions of government and the private sector working with our partners shall pursue the path of research relentlessly.

“As we have often said, only a well-developed partnership will save humanity.”

In spite of measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus, Nigeria has continued to report a spike, peaking at 39,000 at the close of July 23, 2020 and with more than 800 deaths.