COMMENTARY - Covid-19 preparedness and response: experiences of the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research

The global community is facing a health crisis caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The coronavirus pandemic is severely disrupting the global economy. Countries are battling to slow the spread of the virus by testing, employing contact tracing, restricting travel, quarantining citizens, and encouraging use of face mask, hand hygiene and social distancing measures. The lockdown imposed in many countries including Nigeria has resulted in increased cost and shortages of reagents and supplies worldwide. Due to the highly contagious nature of the disease, rapid rate of spread, and lack of an effective therapy, it became necessary for nations of the world to mount an efficient response mechanism to curb the spread of the pandemic. The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has responded actively to the current pandemic with some innovations with respect to sample collection systems, molecular diagnostics, kit development and validation. Due to the highly infectious nature of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) the causative agent of COVID-19, the institute also invested in the production of infection control tools. The extent of response by the institute would not have been possible but for collaboration and partnership with well-meaning organizations and stakeholders. National, State and public cooperation are very essential for effective response to any pandemic. The response of NIMR to the pandemic is herein discussed. Lessons learned and recommendations made are also shared to help institutions interested in combating this and future pandemics of similar nature.