COVID 19 LOCKDOWN AND PALLIATIVE CARE CRISIS; IMPLICATIONS TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND RELIGIOUS LIFE OF THE MASSES: A REVIEW OF THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The provision of palliative package and care during emergency and disastrous phenomena has a long history in the act of humanitarian, religious and community services, and remains a key factor that determines what befalls the public health and social welfare of the citizenry in times of crises.  Palliative measures have been essential components of care for the masses in times of crises of which if not properly handled, severe suffering and high number of casualties are to be experienced. This study, through the review of literature, discussed the experience of the Nigerian masses during the severest period of movement restriction, and lockdown measures which were put in place by the government to contain the spread of dreaded coronavirus which had its primary outbreak in the Wuhan city of China and spread across the entire globe like wild fire.  Through the findings made, the paper argued the period of coronavirus pandemic lockdown exposed diverse weaknesses of the state and masses to tackle emergencies due to lack of preparedness. The weakness of the government in circulating palliative and social welfare packages to majority of the vulnerable population stood glaringly. The brokenness of the safety and security sector to manage, protect and respect the human right of the masses was discovered, together with the display of insubordinate mindset and the tendencies towards lawlessness on the side of the masses. The study opined that the conceptualization of framework and functional structures with equity and national interest of the people’s health, safety and relief is the gateway for proper palliative care in a country like Nigeria; as palliative care and measures remain an incontestable and indisputable, yet integral part of a larger holistic response to humanitarian crises which must be given to all irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation.