
The decision of the federal government to extend the current holiday of primary and secondary schools throughout the country until further notice to avoid the spread of the Ebola viral disease is a step in the right direction. It is a proactive step that would hopefully save the country the crisis of having to respond to an avoidable problem. While the kids are at home, efforts should be intensified to enlighten the citizens about measures to prevent the spread of the disease, and such measures should be made affordable. The use of hand sanitisers, for instance, has been recommended as a preventive measure, but this recommendation has sent the price of the product skyrocketing.
However, the decision of the federal government to sack 16,000 resident doctors right in the middle of the Ebola outbreak will not help the fight against the disease. Whichever way the strike by the doctors is considered, the bottom line remains that they are fighting for better conditions in the country’s health sector. Their sack will worsen the healthcare delivery system, as replacements would not be easily available.
by Vincent Obia for ThisDay