COVID-19: Dr. Umar Mantu Distributes PPE to Health Facilities

With over 1.3 million total cases and over 74,000 deaths recorded globally in the Coronavirus pandemic, Health Workers are also being infected through the medically services they render to carriers of the virus.

It is in line with this that Barr. Umar Mantu, Ph.D through his NGO, the Manumar Foundation thought it expedient to provide some Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to health Workers.

Though Plateau State has not recorded any case of COVID-19, Manumar Foundation is carrying out this gesture to ensure prevention of spread of any kind.

The items such as Green/respiratory Face Masks, Powder Free Blue Nitrile Hand gloves, thermometers and hand sanitizers were distributed on Monday 6th April, 2020 to Primary Health Care Facilities across Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas in Plateau State.

Dr. Umar had earlier lauded government for the proactive steps taken so far to prevent and contain the COVID-19 pandemic which he described as a global tragedy and emergency which should be taken seriously.

Dr. Umar Mantu described COVID-19 as a global threat and emergency calling on government and the people to take urgent and aggressive action that will stem the scourge.

Dr. Umar called on government at all levels to continuously strike a balance between protecting health, minimizing economic and social disruption, and avoiding human rights abuse of any kind.

He said the Country should be prepared and ready to combat the pandemic.

He therefore called for early detection, protection and treatment of all confirmed cases.

He said finding, isolating, testing and treating every case and tracing every contact becomes very critical to reduce rate of transmission.

Dr. Umar urged the people to adhere strictly to all measures and restrictions being announced by government and its relevant agencies which he said are for public health and safety.

“Please note that in these uncertain times, there may well be some information disseminated through social media and word of mouth that is not based on fact; therefore I urge us to err on the side of caution and be wise in order to safeguard and protect ourselves.”

“Please note that the most efficient way of avoiding this contagion is by washing your hands with water and soap for up to 20 seconds, several times a day.”

“Please also practice social distancing and do not attend gatherings with more than 5-10 people, keeping at least a 2 metre distance between yourself and others.”

“It is also advised that you maintain a healthy diet in order to build up your immune systems.”

“Also, If for any reasons we notice symptoms such as high temperature, new and continuous coughs (that are unresponsive to antibiotics), loss of taste and smell consistently, please seek the necessary medical attention by contacting (NCDC/Plateau state ministry of health or your nearest medical centre)” he was quoted saying.

Primary Health Care Facilities that got the items appreciated the donor and promised to make proper use of the PPE for the purpose they are meant for.
They called on other NGOs, corporate organisations and well spirited individuals to emulate the humanitarian intervention of Dr. Umar Mantu by providing the people with items needed to prevent the COVID-19 scourge.