The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) Monday said Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures remain firmly in place across the state’s primary healthcare centres.
Its permanent secretary, Dr Ibrahim Mustafa, gave the assurance in an interview following reports of a new COVID-19 case in Cross River state.
Mustafa stated that Lagos had not relaxed its guard, noting that protocols introduced before and during the COVID-19 pandemic had continued to be enforced in all primary health facilities to curb the spread of infectious diseases.
“We cannot say COVID-19 has completely left us. What has changed is that vaccination has improved immunity, making most infections milder and less likely to result in severe outcomes.”
He credited widespread vaccination and booster doses for strengthening herd immunity, significantly reducing transmission and severity of the virus in the community.
“Many residents received multiple doses during the peak of the pandemic, contributing to increased population-level protection.”
However, he stated that COVID-19 vaccines were currently out of stock nationwide, adding that efforts were underway by the federal government to secure additional supplies.
“We had vaccines before, but they have been exhausted. The government is working to replenish stock, and once available, the public will again have access,” he said.
Mustafa added that IPC protocols, originally intensified during the pandemic are now a routine part of healthcare delivery and extend beyond COVID-19 to cover a wide range of infectious diseases.
Core measures being enforced in PHCs include regular hand hygiene, use of alcohol-based sanitisers where running water is unavailable, and mandatory mask use for individuals showing symptoms of respiratory infections.