”Hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis, others account for 70% COVID -19 deaths” -Health Minister, Dr. Osagie Ehanire

Minister of health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has said that 70 percent of Nigerians that have died from the novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 in the country are persons with hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, HIV, cancer, and tuberculosis.

The minister stated this during the briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID -19 on Thursday, May 21. According to him, analysis of the number of deaths so far recorded as a result of the virus showed that 70 percent were males while the remaining 30 percent were females. He told Newsmen:

“The core morbidity of the fatalities we have had to COVID -19, 70% of them have hypertension, or diabetes, and the rest were kidney disease, HIV, cancer, tuberculosis, and other sundry challenges.

A finding from the analysis of the death patterns shows 70% to 30% for male and female around that ratio and about 70% fatalities were persons who are 60 years old while a majority of positives were between the ages of 29 and 49; those are the most active ages in life.

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A curious finding from the analysis of the deaths shows that nearly half of them died at home. Of those who died at home, about 50% did not show any symptoms. This underscores my earlier emphasis on the need for those who test positive to report for treatment.

I would also advise those who have taken the test and are awaiting results to heed the advisory to self-isolate from friends, wear face masks and observe hand and respiratory hygiene until your result is out so that your community and those around you will not necessarily be exposed.”