When The COVID-19 Fighter Also Battle For His Survival

By: Olagbaju Akeju

Dr. Mohammed Kawu is a known name in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health System.

He is a Public Health specialist and rose diligently to the post of Director and Consultant and lately appointed as the Acting Health Secretary.

Dr.Kawu is hardly known outside the health system because of his quiet disposition until Coronavirus crept in to distort our mind and thought.

As the boss of Health System in FCT, he is alert to his responsibility and fully aware of the enormous trust he owes the residents of FCT and its environment to curtail the spread.

I knew Dr. Kawu well over a decade ago when we were in graduate school pursuing Masters in Public Administration.

I still remember his passion in everything he touched and those who know him are not surprised to see the weight of energy he is throwing to secure FCT from the menace of COVID-19.

On Thursday, the unexpected happened that he too had tested positive!

The news is not about Dr. Kawu's test that is positive, but also the fate of other frontliners including the journalists.

Could it be that we are not being equipped with the correct information on how to stay safe even in the face of using appropriate Protective equipment(s)?

Just a few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) reviewed the guidelines among which indicated that the virus is also airborne. This was unknown to us and this is probably responsible for high community transmission.

While we pray for quick recovery of Dr Kawu and others so affected to recover, we should all remember that there is no alternative to life but to stay safe, observe protocol and lastly avoid overcrowded areas because the virus is now airborne.

Akeju is a former Federal Director of Rural Development and writes from Abuja.