COVID-19: Kaduna has two testing centres – Commissioner

Kaduna state has activated one testing laboratory at a private facility and another one at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Dr Amina Mohammed Baloni, the Commissioner for Health has disclosed. Addressing a press conference, Dr Baloni also said that the third testing centre at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital is almost ready. The Commissioner also said […]

Kaduna state has activated one testing laboratory at a private facility and another one at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Dr Amina Mohammed Baloni, the Commissioner for Health has disclosed.

Addressing a press conference, Dr Baloni also said that the third testing centre at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital is almost ready.

The Commissioner also said that the state has carried out 115 COVID-19 tests out of which, nine cases have returned positive, adding that it has also carried out 174 contacts tracing.

According to her, the state has treated and discharged six coronavirus patients, including the index case, Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The Commissioner also said that the state now has four active cases of COVID-19, adding that it has capacity to conduct daily coronavirus tests if the testing kits and reagents are available.

Dr Baloni said that since the first case was reported on March 27, Kaduna state has engaged relevant stakeholders, activated an Emergency Operations Committee on COVID-19, which she chairs.

“The Infectious Disease Control Centre (IDCC), was upgraded in terms of infrastructure, specialized equipment and personnel to make it capable of managing Covid-19 patients that may need critical care. State investment and corporate social responsibility of organizations have made it possible to have an additional facility equipped and ready to admit additional 150 patients if necessary.

“Very soon, the treatment centre would have its side laboratory to support the management of patients in its care. The Kaduna State Emergency Operations Committee meets daily, seven days a week, to review progress of the plan and other emerging issues. So far, over 22,000 people have been trained on various components of COVID-19 prevention protocol or its management.

“The training involved health workers, community leaders, FBOs, CBO, WDCs, religious and traditional leaders as well as security personnel. Several levels of these training are still being cascaded in health institutions and the community. The training for ambulance drivers and morticians is scheduled to start today (Thursday).’’