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The changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have resuscitated different mindsets in people. While much attention has been focused on the effect on health and the economic system, the study diverted attention to the disrupted social life and psychological trauma caused by the pandemic. This qualitative study explored people's experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they will be leveraged to promote social service delivery through social work intervention in the post-pandemic era. The data were collected through phone interviews involving 12 participants, comprising both social workers and nonsocial workers within the Southeast geopolitical zone. The generated data were analyzed thematically and arranged in quotes. The study found that the pandemic has both positive and negative implications for the social and psychological well-being of people. However, there was no effective engagement of social workers' intervention amidst the need for social service during the pandemic. As a result, the level of preparedness of social workers for effective social service delivery in the post-pandemic era is not adequate. However, the finding reveals prospects for social work in Nigeria. The study suggests a swift government response, which will involve revitalizing the social work profession in Nigeria to enhance social service delivery. Also, social work, especially in the health care setting, should leverage this to make its voice heard in society through enhanced education and practice. However, future research should consider exploring new perspectives in social work education and practice based on the experience of COVID-19 to ensure better social service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor health conditions such as diarrhoea are often associated with low- and middle-income countries. Diarrhoea in Nigeria contributes to an estimated 151,700 (16%) annual infant deaths, with a prevalence of 10–18 percent. With the high rate of diarrhoea-related infant mortality, it becomes important to investigate the barriers to its prevention. Data were sourced using five Focus Group Discussions involving 18 health workers and 30 nursing mothers. Findings show high prevalence of diarrhoea and identified ignorance, cultural/religious beliefs, and lack of funds as major barriers to its prevention. To address these problems, engaging social workers as welfare professionals is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lack of social welfare programs for vulnerable households during the coronavirus outbreak in Nigeria caused severe pain and economic hardship to households as millions suffered hunger in Nigeria and Africa at large. Method: To explore the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, a qualitative study was conducted with 70 participants from Lagos, Nigeria. We conducted 52 individual and 2 group interviews with 18 key stakeholders involved with enforcing lockdown orders. Responses were analyzed in themes using content and discourse analysis. Result: The participants stated that the greatest challenge faced by many amidst the pandemic is hunger and starvation and described government palliatives as grossly insufficient. This is linked to the high population of Nigerians living below poverty line, who depends on daily earning for survival. Discussion: Therefore, these viewpoints must be taken into account by the policymakers and social welfare providers when designing social welfare policies and interventions for poor/vulnerable Nigerians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]