NCDC marks World Mask Week

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has joined the global movement to promote wearing of face mask.

The programme, which began on August 7 and will end on August 14, 2020, features awareness campaigns in communities and sensitisation on importance of wearing facemasks to slow down the spread of COVID- 19.

A press statement signed by Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said World Mask Week (WMW) aimed at reinforcing the importance of wearing a facemask to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

He said in the absence of a vaccine that could prevent infection, and as COVID-19 cases increase globally, citizens must depend on non-pharmaceutical measures, which include the “use of face masks, hand washing, physical distancing and supportive management of confirmed cases to mitigate the impact of the disease.”

Ihekwuazu said: “WMW is an initiative from a coalition of organisations, including the Pandemic Action Network (PAN), World Health Organisation (WHO) and private companies among others, to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 globally. ”

He explained that studies showed correct use of facemasks is critical in reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection.

He said: “Therefore, WMW movement encourages people and businesses around the world to rally behind the importance of wearing a mask properly, not only during WMW, but everyday until a vaccine that prevents infection is readily accessible to all citizens.

“The use of masks is a key component of Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) procedures in medical and non-medical settings. Given the widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in Nigeria, strict adherence to the use of masks in public spaces, particularly where physical distancing may not be practical, can help slow the spread of the virus….”