By Emeka Nze
Despite World Health Organisation (WHO)’s call on governments to reduce access to alcohol during lockdown, alcohol is being freely consumed in Nigeria, raising risk of catching the coronavirus and worsening chances of recovery from the ailment.
Lagos, Ogun, Abuja and some states are currently on lockdown, yet alcohol of various types is being consumed in these places, either as mixture for coronavirus or for pleasure to kill boredom during the lockdown.
During a briefing in Europe on Wednesday, WHO called on governments around the world to tighten restrictions on access to alcohol during lockdown, saying consumption can increase the risk of catching the coronavirus and worsen chances of recovery once contracted.
WHO said alcohol consumption was associated with a number of communicable and noncommunicable diseases that can make a person more vulnerable to catching the virus.
“Alcohol compromises the body’s immune system and increases the risk of adverse health outcomes,” the organisation said. “Therefore, people should minimise their alcohol consumption at any time, and particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
WHO noted that alcohol may put those with mental health struggles and a history of alcohol abuse at a greater risk because of increased self-isolation. The organisation said it may also raise the risk of domestic violence.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, we should really ask ourselves what risks we are taking by leaving people under lockdown in their homes with a substance that is harmful both in terms of their health and the effects of their behaviour on others, including violence,” said WHO’s alcohol and illicit drugs programme manager, Carina Ferreira-Borges.
WHO also debunked the “dangerous myth that consuming high-strength alcohol can kill the coronavirus”.
“It does not,” said WHO, adding that it could result in serious health issues, including death, especially if it is adulterated with methanol.