Our response is limited

Exploring Nigerian social workers’ actions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Few events, throughout recorded history, have set human affairs to a complete halt as the global COVID-19 pandemic. In a relatively short span, it has resulted in millions of infections and tens of thousands of death. Such a situation poses legitimate concerns to the social work profession whose historical value is premised on addressing social challenges by responding to public health situations. This article aims to explore the response of Nigerian social workers to curtailing the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among social workers in three medical institutions in Benin City, Nigeria, and the data were subjected to thematic analysis. Findings show that social workers, although faced with one major challenge are frontline responders; to public health concerns and that they have earned profound value among other healthcare workers. Implications are drawn for social work practitioners and educators to help offset the identified challenge.