A Retrospective Overview of Responses towards Transmission Dynamics and Control of Covid-19 Pandemic in Nigeria

Abstract

A retrospective review of responses from several programmes initiated by government of Nigeria towards educating general public on awareness, symptoms, pharmaceutical interventions, and non-pharmaceutical protocols to halt the spread of COVID-19 pandemic were x-rayed using item response approach to ascertain degree of public awareness, keeping to non-pharmaceutical practices, and assert pharmaceutical mediations across different segments of society. Responses from 2500 respondents spread across Federal Capital Territory Abuja and 4 selected states were assessed, coded, and modelled using non-linear item response functions to known respondents’ dispositions to COVID-19 pandemic of various social strata. While all levels of society acknowledge COVID-19, and its symptoms, radio/television were very effective in enlightening low income individuals, only high income individuals attested to testing, vaccination centres as well as received COVID-19 doses. Government in her efforts need to do more to enable low income earners to access and accept pharmaceutical interventions. This research findings can be a road map for future efforts towards pandemic awareness, preventions and control.