Social work and COVID-19: A gap in Nigeria’s intervention

Abstract

It is highlighted in some parts of the world that several professionals, including social workers, are involved in interventions against COVID-19. This, however, appears not to be so in Nigeria, as social workers are said to be suboptimally involved. Through telephone interviews, the views of six healthcare workers and six social workers were sought on the inclusion and efforts of Nigerian social workers in contributing to COVID-19 interventions. After a thematic analysis of data, results show that social workers are missing in the intervention process, especially at the front line. Hence, this article recommends the need for active involvement of social workers in public health concerns in Nigeria, as their roles will be relevant to complementing the efforts of mainstream health workers.