In the Forefront of Lagos Combat with Corona Virus Account of a Nephrology Nurse in the front line of Covid-19 response in Lagos.

Nephrology Nurse, Sekinah Jimoh

  Just like other parts of the world, Lagos residents were caught unawares with Covid-19 pandemic outbreaks. That was never anticipated in the beginning of year 2020. Ever since the first case was reported on 27^th of February 2020, the number of infected people has been on the rise. As a result, Lagos has become the epicenter of the virus in Nigeria.

With almost non-existence of healthcare structure in the country and low wage of her health workers, there was no enough motivation for medical practitioners to volunteer to help combat the novel virus.

Nephrology Nurse Sekinah Folake Jimoh who works at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, is however one of the few health workers motivated to serve their people regardless of the awkward conditions in the health sector.

Expressing her motivation, she said: “I’m motivated to give back to the society where I grew up. Also, my religious belief encouraged me to lend helping hands where they are needed regardless of monetary appreciation involved”.

Preparation for Volunteering Work

Nurse Jimoh, before presenting herself for the task, learnt the management of the virus via WHO sites specifically dedicated for Covid-19 related issues. She also enrolled for courses on Covid-19 with London School of Hygiene and Medicine.

Challenges Encountered

Despite being motivated to help her people, Nurse Jimoh expressed dissatisfaction over separation from family members. Also, health workers engaged by the Federal Government combating the virus in the state’s isolation centers are not well remunerated and their allowances not duly paid. This has not really encouraged other prospective volunteers to join the fray as more hands are still needed to fight the virus.