The SGF who doubles as the chairman, PTF on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha, has said that 63 percent of locally used alcohol-based hand sanitizers in the nation’s capital city, Abuja, do not have the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control registration number and by implication, not certified.
The PTF Chairman, Mr. Boss Mustapha made this known on Thursday 16 July, 2020, during the Presidential Task Force weekly briefing in Abuja, emphasizing that hand sanitizers were recommended in line with global practices as part of the non-pharmaceutical measures for combating against COVID-19.
The PTF in his words, said ‘’We recommend, in line with global practice, the use of hand sanitizers. Ordinarily, that ought to stimulate local production because of increased demand.
‘’We regret to inform you that following a survey conducted by the Nigeria Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development to check the influx of substandard goods into the market, it was revealed that 63 percent of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in Abuja, do not have NAFDAC registration numbers.
‘’There could also be similar situations around the country. The Minister of Health has, consequently issued an advisory to the general public to procure their hand sanitizers and other pharmaceutical products from credible sources.
‘’The Presidential Task Force also appeals to the patriotic spirit of Nigerians and request that they should desist from manufacturing sub-standard goods which could further endanger unsuspected Nigerians who innocently purchase them’’.
The SGF noted the Presidential Task Force had been compelled to add the fight against fake products to its national response especially during this period of global pandemic.
Boss Mustapha said the PTF shall continue to monitor developments and communicate with Nigerians in the most effective ways, the risks associated with contracting the virus.
The Presidential Task Force Chairman further stated that ‘’We shall also remind you always to comply with the non-pharmaceutical measures put in place.
‘’Let me emphasize that the reasons for extended phase two of the eased lockdown, are still present and that we need to change our behaviors’’.
It is with no doubt that we are using hand sanitizers much more than ever before especially in this era of COVID-19.
Proper hand-washing and using sanitizers whenever washing hands is not possible, can save people from bacteria and viruses. This is applicable when people are outside, riding in their cars, playing in a park or just shopping, it’s not always possible and better to only use soap and water to wash hands.
This is where everyone have to rely on alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Most importantly in times like this when the global community is combating the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, frequent use of hand sanitizers therefore, is recommended by the government.
The development has raised apprehension among Nigerians as regards the proper means of sourcing the most reliable and recommended sanitizer as the market is already infiltrated.
However, there are some unpleasant side effects of using hand sanitizers which are certified by the government as sanitizers are little too good at killing bacteria through which it keeps users safe from a variety of illnesses and people should not try to compromise the obvious reality.
Content created and supplied by: JosephUde (via Opera News )
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