COVID-19: Abia State University Develops Geographical Tracking Device, Risk Map For Nigeria

As research continues in tackling the coronavirus holding nations by the jugular, the Abia State University Uturu (ABSU) has reportedly developed a Geographical Tracking Device and live COVID-19 risk map for the state and country at large.

In a release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Onyebuchi Ememanka this is in addition to the hand sanitizers and face masks the institution had earlier produced which he said meets WHO standard.

“Still basking in the euphoria of the production of ABSU Hand Sanitizers and Nose Masks that meet World Health Organization and International Standards, the Centre for Epidemiology and Climate Research, Abia State University led by the Head of Department, Geography and Planning, Dr. Felix Ike, has developed a Geographical Tracking Device and Live COVID-19 Risk Map for Abia State and Nigeria.

“These are products of capacity building and quality leadership of the Governor and Visitor to the University, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D., whom the University had earlier branded a Scholar-in-Governance and who had challenged the University to make Industry of her Research Activities,” he said.

According to him, the University has concluded research on Geographical tracking and mapping of COVID-19 in Nigeria, Production of Live Risk Map for COVID-19 in Nigeria, Production of Live COVID-19 Risk Map for Abia State and Development of COVID-19 Early Warning System (EWS) for Aba and Umuahia, Abia State.

He added that these will assist in monitoring the movement of the Disease in Abia State and Nigeria, as well as, assist planners in checking any impending threat by the Disease in the State and Nigeria.

“The Centre has also developed COVID-19 Hotspots Map at all Borders/Entry points in Abia State, using the Delta-T Automatic Weather Station situated in Abia State University, which was imported from Cambridge, United Kingdom, one of its kind in West Africa, as well as, the Geographic Information System / Remote Sensing Laboratory.

“Additionally, this scientific breakthrough will assist in tracking real-time surveillance of emerging Public Health threats by COVID-19 in Abia State and Nigeria.

“It also offers near-real-time Geo located updates from these sources to better understand the progression of the Pandemic.

“This is yet another monumental achievement of the inspirational and excellence-driven Administration of the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor E. Uche Ikonne” he concluded.