Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part A (2021)

The role of POCT in delivery of standard care in war ridden and terrorized regions, in Nigeria

Author(s):

Otobo D Daniel, Okoro I Ngozi and Mesak Daniel

Abstract:
Background: Thousands of Nigerians have either been displaced or killed owing to the violent conflict that has plagued the country over the years. This year alone, more than 70,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Borno and Yobe states alone. These people have medical needs. This need may be Combat or Non-combat related. However, rapid testing, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are needed advantages they all have in common. This is where Point-of-care-testing (POCT) comes in. The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of POCT in the delivery of standard care in war ridden and terrorized regions in Nigeria.
Discussion: POCT can be implemented to improve the care of medical, infectious, geriatric, obstetric and pediatric cases. Due to endemicity in our region, other critical tests that can be done to ensure early diagnosis and prompt treatment are Malaria, Hepatitis, HIV and Typhoid rapid diagnostic tests. Some major limitations to be faced antagonizing improved POCT in these regions are availability, accessibility, skilled man power.
Conclusion: Increased POCT can improve rapid testing, early diagnosis and prompt treatments in these violent conflicts ridden regions in Nigeria. However, poor availability, accessibility and manpower are a major limitation.

Pages: 12-13  |  1465 Views  539 Downloads

How to cite this article:
Otobo D Daniel, Okoro I Ngozi and Mesak Daniel. The role of POCT in delivery of standard care in war ridden and terrorized regions, in Nigeria. Int. J. Adv. Biochem. Res. 2021;5(1):12-13. DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2021.v5.i1a.58