This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
A Relieved Repatriate: Overcoming Covid-19 Test Frustrations in Nigeria ¶
June 17, 2020
As I sat in my hotel room in Nigeria, I couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration and despair. My Covid-19 test results were still pending, and I had been waiting for what felt like an eternity. The initial test had been a painful experience, leaving me with a nosebleed, and I was dreading the thought of going through it again.
However, fate had other plans. My friend Lanre arrived at my hotel room, and we set off to the testing center. As we arrived, I was relieved to see that the center was not as crowded as I had expected. We were told that they didn't issue results at the center, but rather, we would receive a call with our results.
But just as we were about to leave, a gentleman approached us and informed us that my results were inconclusive. I felt a wave of emotions wash over me as I tried to process the news. Lanre and I left the center, feeling defeated and demoralized.
But we didn't give up. We decided to head to another testing center, where we had heard that the process was smoother. As we arrived, I was struck by the sense of camaraderie among the people waiting in line. We were all in this together, and we were all hoping for the same thing - to get back home.
After what felt like an eternity, it was finally my turn to be tested. I was nervous but determined. The process was quick and painless, and I was relieved to find out that I didn't have to endure any pain or discomfort.
As I walked out of the testing center, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. It was a small victory, but it was a start. And as I looked at Lanre, I knew that we were in this together, and that we would face whatever challenges came our way, as a team.
Ms. Ndinda is Research Manager, Transform Research Africa Ltd. She is stranded in Nigeria, where she has been since March 21.
