India has donated seven tonnes of hydroxychloroquine to Nigeria as part of efforts to help the country combat the ravaging 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 Nigerian 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.
“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.”
Despite the measures put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19, Nigeria has continued to report an increasing number of infections.
