REALITIES OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN NIGERIA: COPING WITH THE CHALLENGES AND CHARTING A WAY FORWARD

The impacts of COVID-19 have cut across both developed and developing countries alike. This has prompted different coping mechanisms for survival through these trying times. The reality of stigmatization in this period has negatively affected health-seeking behavior and public response to the outbreak. Challenges exist at both the community and the healthcare providing facilities. We present a review of best practices in coping with COVID-19. Our focus is on how to cope with the challenges and strategies to improve the response to the pandemic in Nigeria. It is required that safety measures be fully adopted and practiced by individuals and groups. Collaborative efforts are required by all stakeholders, government, healthcare workers, and private organizations to mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic, avoid stigmatization, and ease the return journey to normalcy.