COVID 19 in the Sahara Desert - A true story


    Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno state  come to mind each time I think of the recent pandemic COVID 19. How much of social distancing can they practice? While you try to picture it  you should bear in mind that they live in camps  and are quiet a number.Today I would like to share a  really short story on this virus,.


 A true story on COVID 19 in Maiduguri Borno state Nigeria


    Halima is a Humanitarian worker working with an NGO in Maiduguri, going out to the field would have been like every other day but with all the news on COVID 19, today was different. She had to think of the IDPs who needed a lot of awareness on the Corona virus disease (COVID 19) and also her health. To prevent COVID 19 , there is need  to educate the IDPs on the virus and precautionary measures to avoid it.And someone has to do this, Halima and her team needed to do this.
They were well received as usual,  the IDPs  seemed  to have an idea of the virus probably from the radio and “hear say “However a good number of them who were willing to open up on what they knew about the virus had this to say;
The virus does not really exist, it is a made up story an IDP said in Hausa language, and a few others agreed to his statement.
But that was not just it ,another group of women said ;
COVID 19  is caused by what is reffered to in hausa language as Iska (jinn)  They believed it had to do with supernatural forces. Find out more on Iska https://jinn.fandom.com/wiki/Iskoki
In one of the Sensitization sessions some IDPs said
The Corona  Virus only affects Christians.
    Halima knew she had a lot of  work to do ,she tried her best to explain the real situation of things to them, the cause  and how to prevent the disease
.
Old habits die hard

  Just after the sensitization at one of the camps  a woman kept coughing  without covering her mouth.  Halima  was surprised and afraid at the same time.
Before you judge this woman, think about those who seem to be educated and respected in society that still sneeze in public with their mouth uncovered. Aha! Shhhh don’t call names. just think about it.
And you? How long can you stay without touching your face.
Turns out continuous sensitization is needed.
 COVID 19 in Maiduguri
Is COVID 19 in Maiduguri? So many  think there may be cases of COVID 19 in Maiduguri  especially since an infected person may not show symptoms immediately.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus. Cases of Covid-19 first emerged in late 2019,  now it has spread to other countries including Nigeria
There have been stories that some people currently living in  Borno state  have caught the virus.
The fact is there  is no confirmed case in Borno state as at today  Friday 27th March 2020. Although Some people may want to argue otherwise  without prove these are mere speculations and assumptions.
 Current situation
People go about their normal  businesses in Maiduguri, some people stay at home anyways but  there is no strict rule on staying at home yet by the state government. Hence  Working from home largely depends on organization in question.A few people practice social distancing.Temperature checks started at university of Maiduguri gates and  other preventive measures are being put in place within the state  ,like  hand washing in markets and public places but a lot more needs to be done.

There is need to Create more  awareness  on COVID 19
There are still people out there who think this virus is not in existence and many who believe the virus can only affect certain people.these wrong perceptions should be corrected
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer if you can’t get access to  soap and water
Cough in your elbow
Avoid touching your face
Avoid crowded places
Stay at home if you can
Stop spreading fake news on COVID 19
Learn more on the COVID 19 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china
Take  online courses on the virus https://openwho.org/courses/COVID-19-IPC-EN
      Remember It is  better to be safe than sorry So keep doing the needful.

What is the most ridiculous thing you have heard someone say about COVID 19 and how did you react?let me know in the comment box
Thanks for reading

Comments

  1. In a group chat, someone said it doesn't exist. It's just a way to cause panic and hold the world hostage 🤧. Like where's the sense?

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    1. Unbelievable, this is funny and sad at the same time. More sad though because chances are this person will be careless and not take precautions,putting himself and others at risk.

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  2. Well, truth be told even if there is no a single case of Covid-19 in BORNO STATE that doesn't mean it's a blessed assurance that such assertions of the absence of CV-19 is true.

    Reasons being that by the present, there is no adequate measure taken for rapid diagnostic test /or Mass screening of people for Covid-19.

    I'd like to advise that we should see everyone as a potential carrier of the virus by adhering to the ground rules of prevention.

    Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. You are absolutely right. thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

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  3. Well, These people need physical sensitisation because many of them don't have Access to a TV or even transistor radio to listen or watch more about the the said pandemic..
    Debbie! This is a good time for you guys to start volunteering work it may not be funny but hey...
    Well done DABBIE

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    Replies
    1. Honestly access to the right information is a huge problem. Thanks for this brilliant suggestion Joel.

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  4. COVID-19 is real, as a microbiologists this virus is true and very real, ignorance kills faster than any disease.please let's stay safe and keep good hygiene.

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  5. I hear people say this whole story is just another propaganda and it pisses me up how people think. People should also understand that consumption of alcohol doesn't prevent this virus. Practice the preventive measures and stay safe as much as you can. Well done

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    Replies
    1. I have heard some people say that as well. Truly prevention is the best medicine. Thanks Sheyshey

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  6. Yesterday someone at the bank said "aii wannan ciwon ta masu AC ce" and he was offended that alangoro refused to shake hands with him....alot of people in maiduguri belief that the heat in maiduguri would kill the virus if it comes

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    1. Zarah you just made me laugh.what ignorance!
      I hope that with more awareness the people in Maiduguri have a better understanding on the severity of this pandemic and adhere to preventive practices. Thanks for sharing this.

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  7. Most people , I will rather say theologians but not all thinks covid-19 affects only bad people.. hillarious!

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  8. Most people, I will rather say theologians but not all thinks covid-19 affects only bad people .... Hillarious!

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    Replies
    1. Hahaha Ignorance at its peak, Thanks for reading Favour.

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    2. This is really edifying. Thank you so the insight

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    3. You are welcome, Thanks for reading too Eve

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  9. More sensitisation is sorely needed. I just pray God preserves us all. Lovely aunt debbie

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  10. This story is a reflection of the ubiquitous misconceptions of the less literate societies and a people with biased mind of racial/religious/ethnic exclusions. Just same 27th our bid as humanitarian workers to hit the IDP camps where i work with massive sensitisation and awareness using audio broadcast messaging on what Covid-19 is and how to protect oneself from it. Our plan hit a dead end as the religious leaders and camp leaders said they don't believe in anything as such as they are well protected by God, and it is probably our plot to introduce disease to their communities. This is always a tall order to surmount.

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    Replies
    1. Denofcardzantez thank you very much for sharing your experience. This is a serious problem especially since these leaders are key stakeholders that should have been making your work easier. There is therefore need to restrategize.

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  11. Someone told me that there's no case of covid19 in Nigeria. He added that it's just a way the government wants to siphon funds meant for preventative measures. I couldn't say a word cuz I saw an educated mumu...

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    1. A lot of people go around spreading their assumptions on the matter. It is sad.

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  12. Debby you're such a good writer. I noticed most Nigerians don't even believe yet. Particularly because it hasn't affected any of their relatives yet, or someone close to them. I pray and hope Covid19 doesn't teach us a painful lesson before we decide to receive sense.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Onome, You are absolutely right. Amen

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