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Covid-19: Emerging Considerations for Body Sourcing and Handling. A Perspective View from Nigeria
Izuchukwu Azuka Okafor1,2,3, Terkuma Chia4
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses risks to cadaver handling and ethical practices in anatomy education, particularly in Africa and Nigeria. Urgent policy recommendations are needed to address these challenges and ensure safety and ethical standards.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Anatomical Sciences
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruption and mortality globally.
- Epidemics historically challenge ethical practices and safety regulations in handling human remains.
- Concerns exist regarding the impact of increased deaths on cadaver sourcing for education and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight emerging challenges in cadaver sourcing and handling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To focus on the specific issues faced in Africa and Nigeria.
- To propose policy recommendations for ethical and safe practices.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging problems related to cadaver sourcing and handling during the pandemic.
- Focus on the African and Nigerian contexts.
- Identification of risks and ethical concerns.
Main Results:
- Increased risk of coronavirus exposure for personnel handling cadavers.
- Shortage of cadavers available for anatomical teaching and research.
- Lack of standardized regulations leading to unethical body sourcing and handling practices.
- Insufficient monitoring and collaboration for a coordinated pandemic response.
Conclusions:
- Ignoring these issues could undermine decades of progress in anatomical ethical practices.
- Urgent policy interventions are necessary to prevent the erosion of ethical standards.
- Recommendations are provided for policymakers to address these emerging challenges.
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