Statistics have shown that there have been over 15 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide with over 600,000 deaths, and over 9 million treated cases.
In Nigeria, as at yesterday there have been almost 40 thousand confirmed cases of coronavirus, over 15 thousand treated and almost 900 deaths.
The Acting Chairman, National Population Commission, Dr Tayo Oyelunji, gave the hint in a press briefing to commemorate this year’s World Population Day.
The World Population Day is observed on 11th July every year.
In Anambra State the paper was presented at the State NPC Headquarters in Awka, by the State Director, National Population Commissioner, TPL Joachin Ulasi, on behalf of the Federal Commissioner, Representing Anambra State in the National Population Commission, Mr Chidi Ezeoke.
Dr Oyetunji said the World Population Day is part of international Awareness Campaign celebrated annually to beam global attention on the urgency and importance of population issues universally.
He pointed out that the day offers opportunity to take stock of the state of the population especially those often left behind, including women and girls, and to determine the way forward in ensuring that their fundamental human rights are upheld.
The NPC Acting National Chairman said this year’s theme, Putting the Brakes on Covid 19 “How to Safeguard the Health and Rights of Women and Girls Now”, is apt, especially now that the world is saddled with the scourge of coronavirus pandemic and its damning consequences especially on women and girls.
He further noted that COVID-19 has spread to all parts of the world, showing that it is indeed a small world, with little or no boundaries.
Dr Oyetunji listed some of the effects of COVID-19 on women and children to include dwindling revenue, poverty, malnutrition, maternal mortality, unwanted pregnancy, gender based violence including rape.
The Acting NPC Chairman, however, expressed delight that government is putting BREAKS to COVID-19 to ensure the safeguard of the health and Rights of Women and Children.
According to him, government is doing this through better education, strengthening of the health system, COVID-19 Economic Stimulus and contributions to Family Planning projects.
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