Prepare for the Worst, WHO Tells Africa over Coronavirus Pandemic
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned Africa to prepare for the worst as far as the coronavirus pandemic is concerned.
Speaking on Wednesday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said there could be many undetected cases in Africa and urged governments and people to prepare for the worst.
“Don’t assume your community won’t be affected. Prepare as if it will be. Don’t assume you won’t be infected. Prepare as if you will be,” Dr. Ghebreyesus said.
He added: “We probably have undetected cases. We have to prepare for the worst. In other countries we have seen how the virus actually accelerates after a certain tipping point. So the best advice for Africa is to prepare for the worst.”
There are nearly 600 confirmed Covid-19 cases in Africa as it stands, according to WHO. Egypt has recorded the highest cases with 196 followed by South Africa (116), Algeria (72), Morocco (49), Senegal (31), Burkina Faso (20), Cameroon (10), Rwanda (8), Democratic Republic of Congo (7), Ghana (7) and Kenya (7).
Others are Ivory Coast (6), Ethiopia (6), Tanzania (6) Seychelles (4), Congo (3), Nigeria (3), Liberia (2), Namibia (2), Zambia (2), Benin (1), Central African Republic (1), Equatorial Guinea (1), Eswatini (1), Gabon (1), Guinea (1), Gambia (1), Mauritania (1), Somalia (1), Sudan (1) and Togo (1).
A total of 15 people have died from the illness in the continent as of Wednesday with Algeria topping the list with five fatalities.
“Physical distancing measures – like canceling sporting events, concerts, and other large gatherings – can help to slow transmission of the virus. They can reduce the burden on the health system,” said Dr. Ghebreyesus.
He mentioned isolating, testing and treating every suspected case and tracing every contact as the only way to defeat the scourge.
“If they don’t, transmission chains can continue at a low level, then resurge once physical distancing measures are lifted,” he added.
Comments (9)
Why Africa?
Why Africa? Psalms 91 will save Africa!! The real God is on our side.!!!
Yes. Africans we need to prepare but more so we need to call upon our God and our ancestors to intervene. We are spiritual beings and therefore with the seriousness of the virus we need to look up to and call upon our spiritual powers and also do what we can as world beings.
During imperialism, colonialism and neo- colonialism we were affected so much because we ignored or were prohibited from calling our spiritual powers.
This time spiritual beings and Godly powers are on our side!!
Let us all use them: Psalms 91
Call on ancestors? If COVID19 finds you tells more how those spirits worked for you. SMFH
Anonymous,
You are a fool!
Why Africa? Because we rely too much in our belief of god and his book (written by men), rather than believe in our god given abilities. And so we shall find ourselves prostrate waiting for miracles while the virus razes our communities. Learn from what other countries are experiencing and borrow best practices. Apply them to the hilt. Leave superstition behind.
Good thing is that those that have been stealing from social services like healthcare will have no where to run.As you can see the rich part of Italy is being wiped out.
WHO is worried because most African Nations don't have the tools like USA to minimise the spread of this disease.
Just a rumor but they are saying the virus does not do to well in hot weather.Let us hope for the best but prepare for the worst.For the first time this disease did not come from Africa it will only be to our benefit if we have less casualties.We may not have the best health system but we have warm weather .Restrict movement keep foreigners out and maybe we just may survive this scrouge after all