Categories: World News

WHO Warns Of ‘Dramatic Evolution’ Of Virus In Africa

 

The World Health Organization’s regional director for Africa on Friday warned the continent faced a “dramatic evolution” of the coronavirus pandemic.

Of the 47 countries in the WHO Africa region — which includes sub-Saharan Africa and Algeria — 39 nations are now affected, compared with only one a month ago, Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti told French television channel France24.

Moeti said there have been about 300 cases per day in recent days and called for “intensified action by African countries”.

“The situation is very worrying, with a dramatic evolution: an increase geographically in the number of countries and also an increase in the number of infections,” Moeti said.

Cases have risen across the world’s poorest continent over the past week to a total of nearly 3,500 cases and 94 deaths, according to an AFP tally that covers all of Africa.

African nations have ordered curfews and lockdowns in response to the growing pandemic, amid fears that weak health infrastructure will leave the continent terribly exposed to an outbreak on the scale of virus-stricken Europe.

Moeti acknowledged that measures were being taken to contain the spread of the virus and to isolate suspected cases.

Governments have banned religious gatherings and sporting events, while schools were closed in 25 countries, she said.

She noted that 42 countries are now able to diagnose the disease. “A few weeks ago, only two countries had the diagnostic capacity,” she said.

But Moeti stressed that the continent was poorly equipped to deal with a major health crisis.

“It is true that in many African households people live in large families. It’s very difficult sometimes for everyone to have their own room,” she said.

“There is a very strong community life. We have to find other hygiene methods to minimise the spread of the virus.”

oluchi

Disqus Comments Loading...
Share
Published by
oluchi
Tags: WHO

Recent Posts

Eniola Ajao Dumps Bobrisky As Best-Dressed, Announces New Winners With ₦1m Gift

Although Eniola had since apologised for the stunt gone wrong, she took to her social…

8 mins ago

Troops Neutralize Terrorists, Recover Arms, Rustled Cattle In Borno, Katsina

Military authorities say the troops are still sustaining offensive operations to clear terrorists in the…

19 mins ago

Biden, Trump Campaign In New York On Thursday

The 81-year-old Democrat Biden will take part in a fundraising evening alongside two of his…

58 mins ago

Court Ordered Release Of 313 Suspected Terrorists To Borno Govt – DHQ

Borno is one of the North-Eastern states that is worst hit by the Boko Haram…

1 hour ago

Police Raid Juju Shrine, Arrest Witch-Doctor, 25 Others In Port Harcourt

According to the police, the witch-doctor and his crew specialize in car snatching operations and…

1 hour ago

Falana Writes Senate President, Seeks Reversal Of Sen Ningi’s Suspension

Falana also said that the Senate by its actions violated the right of the entire…

2 hours ago