Nigerian bishops recently told the presidential task team set up to combat the spread of the coronavirus that Nigeria's Catholic hospitals and clinics can all be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

The 435 hospitals and clinics in Nigeria's dioceses and archdioceses will be made available along with other services that may be needed, a bishops' delegation, led by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, told government representatives in the capital, Abuja.

On behalf of Archbishop Augustine Akubeze of Benin City, president of the Nigerian bishops' conference, Archbishop Kaigama gave the addresses of all Catholic health facilities to task team leaders at the April 8 meeting.

Dr. Emmanuel Okechukwum, who heads up the bishops' health department, will liaise between the team and the church's hospitals and clinics.

The church has the structures, track records and the reach to be able to help in the government's efforts to treat patients and curb the virus' spread in the West African country, Archbishop Kaigama said.

Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government, thanked the bishops and appealed to church leaders to disseminate information on prevention through personal hygiene and to urge compliance with government directives on staying at home and social distancing.

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