Since the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus in China, Africans have been dreading the entry of the virus into the continent. This is due to the fact that many Africans aren’t sure how ready Africa is in the event of an outbreak. According to the Vanguard, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates Africa’s readiness for coronavirus at 66 per cent after conducting a survey with countries to assess their overall readiness for Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus: the World Health Organisation estimates Africa’s readiness at 66 per cent
An Emergency Meeting held in Addis Ababa, called by the African Union Commission. WHO joined Health Ministers to discuss a joint communiqué on how to prepare for and potentially respond to COVID-19. Afterwards, a statement addressed the readiness of the African continent.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, said that countries across the continent are not completely ready to contain a coronavirus outbreak.
“WHO finds there are critical gaps in readiness for countries across the continent,’’ Moeti said. “We need urgently to prioritise strengthening the capacities for countries to investigate alerts. Also, treat patients in isolation facilities and improve prevention and control in health facilities and in communities.’’
Moeti stressed that the threats posed by the virus have shone more light on the inadequacies of health systems in the African continent.
“Countries must invest in emergency preparedness. This investment is worthwhile when you consider the cost of responding to outbreaks. Which for the 2014 Ebola outbreak was estimated at close to $3 billion,” she said.
As of February 20th, countries reported that since January 22nd a total of 210 people had been investigated for COVID-10 in the WHO African region, according to a statement. Six cases are still pending and up to 204 cases have been ruled out.
Meanwhile, in the midst of this threat to the African continent, WHO promised to support the African Union Member States on a common preparedness and response strategy.
Also read: The World Health Organisation Calls On Countries To Prepare For A Coronavirus Pandemic
Source: The Vanguard
