COVID-19: IDPs in northeastern Nigeria camps under risk

ANKARA (AA) - Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in north-eastern Nigeria's Maiduguri city have expressed concern as coronavirus spreads across the African country.

They have complained of a lack of government support, even at this time of crisis.

“There’s no support or any donation that will encourage hygiene and healthy lifestyles, yet they are making emphasis on coughing etiquette and good personal hygiene... how do you expect the less privileged in the camp to cope with this situation,” Africa News website quoted an IDP from Gwoza as saying.

Aisha Abubakar, another IDP from Nganzai, said she couldn't help but pray to God to end the outbreak.

“We are always praying and that’s all we can do, it is a test from Almighty God so we ought to accept it with good faith," she said. "There is no peace and God is testing us with such a calamity, God takes it away from us."

On Wednesday, the UN said that along with its partners, it was working on supporting Nigerian authorities in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states to develop “emergency response plans” for vulnerable communities and IDP camps.

“Humanitarian partners are installing hand-washing stations in IDP camps and ensuring the supply of clean water. Partners are also distributing soap and teaching women how to produce their own,” Edward Kallon, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria was quoted as saying in the UN statement.

“More than ever, it is crucial for vulnerable people to have access to not only water, soap, shelters, but also food, education and protection,” he added.

Last week, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) Nigeria urged authorities to ensure access to health services “on an equitable basis” and pay particular attention to displaced and vulnerable people while dealing with the virus outbreak.

The IDP camps have yet to report any COVID-19 cases.

However, in Nigeria, at least 190 people have tested positive, and two have died, according to Johns Hopkins University figures.

Over a million people have contracted the virus in 181 countries since last December. While more than 54,000 people died after being infected, at least 218,000 have recovered from the illness.