India has donated seven tonnes of hydroxychloroquine to Nigeria as part of efforts to help the West African combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha who also doubles as the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, said this on Thursday during a briefing by members of the task force.
According to him, the Federal Government is grateful for the help from the India Government as well as other nations and organisations in the country’s fight against COVID-19.
SGF said;
The PTF wishes to thank friendly nations and corporate organisations for their continuing support through the donation of medicines and equipment. In this regard, we thank India for the donation of 7-tons of hydroxychloroquine for treatment of patients.
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.
He explained;
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. 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.
Reports have shown that hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin have been used to treat patients with coronavirus disease. However, evidence on the safety and efficacy of the drug is still being researched.
