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Tag: WHO

  • Access to water is critical to fighting COVID-19 pandemic – WHO

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional office for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo says access to water for all is critical to fighting the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    The UN health agency said this in its regional official twitter account @WHOAFRO.

    According to WHO, 395 million people in Africa region did not have access to basic drinking water services in 2017 while 704 million did not access to basic sanitation services.

    “This gap must be urgently addressed.

    “Access to safe drinking water, toilets and hand-washing facilities in health facilities must be scaled-up to fight COVID19, particularly in remote areas.

    “Urgent government commitment, investment and resources are urgently needed to improve access to vital services.’’

    Meanwhile, the UN agency said the Minister of Health of Mozambique had just confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in the country.

    “This is the 3rd lusophone country affected by the virus in Africa.

    “WHO and health partners have been already implementing prevention measures to avoid the spread of the virus.’’

    In addition, it said the government of Kenya had just confirmed eight more cases of COVID19, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 15.

    “WHO experts have supported the training of hospitals in Nairobi to handle cases safely and control the spread of the virus.’’

    As of Saturday, more than half the nations on the continent — 36 of the 54 countries — had reported cases.

    The virus, which causes the disease known as COVID-19, emerged in Wuhan, China last December.

    It has spread to at least 169 countries and regions, according to data compiled by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.

    Out of almost 312,000 confirmed cases, the death toll now exceeds 13,400, while nearly 94,000 have recovered.

    Italy, China, Iran, and Spain continue to be the most affected countries.

  • 20 vaccines being developed to tackle Coronavirus – WHO

    20 vaccines being developed to tackle Coronavirus – WHO

    World Health Organisation representative in Russia, Melita Vujnovic, said WHO has received certification requests for 40 coronavirus tests, as 20 vaccines are being developed.

    Vujnovic made the statement in an interview with Sputnik on Friday.

    “As of this moment, the WHO has received 40 requests to consider and approve diagnostics tests, 20 vaccines are being developed, and many medicines are in clinical trials. We are expecting first results in several weeks,’’ she said.

    She added that Russia is taking significant measures to test for coronavirus and monitor all contacts of the infected to prevent the spread of the disease.

    Vujnovic remarked on the importance of bans on sporting, cultural or any other events that could attract crowds.

    She added that countries should isolate, test, treat and monitor all COVID-19 cases to successfully fight the epidemic.

    “And we see that Russia is doing this in its fight against the coronavirus.’’

  • Coronavirus cases top 200,000 globally, death toll over 8,000 – WHO

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said no fewer than 200,000 cases of Coronavirus ( COVID-19) have now been reported to WHO and 8,000 people have lost their lives.

    Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, gave the update on the agency’s website.

    According to him, more than 80 per cent of all cases are from two regions – the Western Pacific and Europe.

    “We know that many countries now face escalating epidemics and are feeling overwhelmed.

    “We hear you. We know the tremendous difficulties you face and the enormous burden you are under. We understand the heart-wrenching choices you are having to make.

    “We understand that different countries and communities are in different situations, with different levels of transmission.’’

    The director general said that WHO was talking to ministers of health, heads of state, health workers, hospital managers, industry leaders, CEOs and more every day.

    “WHO was talking to the stakeholders to help them prepare and prioritise, according to their specific situation.

    “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.

    “But there is hope. There are many things all countries can do.

    “Physical distancing measures – like cancelling sporting events, concerts and other large gatherings – can help to slow transmission of the virus.

    “They can reduce the burden on the health system; they can help to make epidemics manageable, allowing targeted and focused measures,’’ he said.

    In addition, the director general said to suppress and control epidemics, countries must isolate, test, treat and trace.

    “If they don’t, transmission chains can continue at a low level then resurge once physical distancing measures are lifted.

    “WHO continues to recommend that isolating, testing and treating every suspected case, and tracing every contact, must be the backbone of the response in every country.

    “This is the best hope of preventing widespread community transmission.

    “Most countries with sporadic cases or clusters of cases are still in the position to do this.

    “Many countries are listening to our call and finding solutions to increase their ability to implement the full package of measures that have turned the tide in several countries,’’ he said.

    Also, Ghebreyesus said some countries were experiencing intense epidemics with extensive community transmission, saying, “we understand the effort required to suppress transmission in these situations. But it can be done.’’

    The director general, however, thanked some countries for joining solidarity trial, which would provide simplified procedures to enable even hospitals that have been overloaded to participate.

    He said many countries had already confirmed that they will join the SOLIDARITY trial – Argentina, Bahrain, Canada, France, Iran, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and Thailand – and I trust many more will join.

    “I continue to be inspired by the many demonstrations of solidarity from all over the world.

    “The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund has now raised more than US$43 million from more than 173,000 individuals and organizations.

    “ A few days since we launched it. I’d especially like to thank FIFA for its contribution of US$10 million.

    “These and other efforts give me hope that together, we can and will prevail.

    “This virus is presenting us with an unprecedented threat. But it is also an unprecedented opportunity to come together as one against a common enemy – an enemy against humanity,’’ the director general said.

  • 33 countries in Africa report COVID-19 cases –WHO

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional office for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo, says there are now 633 confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Africa in 33 countries.

    The UN health agency disclosed this in its regional official twitter account @WHOAFRO.

    According to WHO, there have been 17 COVID-19-related deaths as at Thursday.

    In past 24 hours, the agency said the Gambia, Mauritius and Zambia had announced first cases.

    “WHO is supporting countries with surveillance, diagnostics and treatment.

    “Take care while travelling to stop the spread of germs and protect yourself against COVID19.

    “Avoid unprotected close contact with anyone developing cold or flu-like symptoms.

    “Immediately seek medical care if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing,’’ it advised.

  • COVID-19: WHO warns against use of one popular drug

    People, who suspect they have caught the novel coronavirus, should not take the popular drug ibuprofen without consulting a doctor, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said.

    WHO gave the warning, on Tuesday, pointing to the ongoing research into possible negative effects.

    WHO’s spokesman, Christian Lindmeier, told a Geneva news conference that there are no recent studies that link the anti-inflammatory drug with increased mortality rates, but he added that experts are currently investigating the matter.

    “We recommend paracetamol, not ibuprofen in self-medication,’’ Lindmeier said.

    The UN agency’s comments came after leading French health officials warned against using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) against the coronavirus disease.

    This group of pharmaceuticals includes ibuprofen, aspirin and other drugs.

    A recent article in the medical journal “The Lancet” put forward the hypothesis that some drugs including ibuprofen might pose a risk for COVID-19 patients, who also suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes.

    Lindmeier also reported that two WHO staff members have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19 respiratory disease.

    Several hundred WHO staffers started working remotely from home on Tuesday.

    The UN health agency no longer invites journalists to its premises to update them on the coronavirus pandemic, but broadcasts its briefings on social media.

  • List of 26 African countries with confirmed coronavirus cases

    List of 26 African countries with confirmed coronavirus cases

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional office for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo, said there are now Coronavirus (COVID-19) in 26 African countries and there have been six COVID-19-related deaths.

    The UN health agency said this in its regional official twitter account @WHOAFRO.

    The agency said Government of Benin on Monday confirmed the country’s first case of COVID-19, a 49-year-old male of Burkinabe nationality, who entered Benin on March 12.

    “Over the weekend, Central African Republic, Eswatini, Rep of Congo, Rwanda, Seychelles announced first cases.”

    Egypt has 166 coronavirus cases, the highest in Africa. It is followed by South Africa, with 64 cases, Algeria 60, Tunisia 20, Senegal 24, Cameroon 3.

    WHO however reported two cases for Nigeria, when the Nigerian authorities said only one case, the first index case of a man from Milan, Italy remains.

    Burkina Faso has 7 cases, Togo 1, DRC 3, Cote d’Ivoire 5, Ghana 2, Gabon 1,Kenya 3, Ethiopia 4, Guinea 1, Rwanda 5, Namibia 2, Equatorial Guinea 1, Seychelles 2, CAR 1, Congo 1, Mauritania 1, Eswatini 1, Liberia 1, Sudan 1.’’

    Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said “With COVID-19 officially declared a pandemic, all countries in Africa must act.

    “Every country can still change the course of this pandemic by scaling up their emergency preparedness or response.

    “Cases may still be low in Africa and we can keep it that way with robust all-of-government actions to fight the new coronavirus.”

    According to her, containment remains the most appropriate strategy for African countries.

    Apart from South Africa and Algeria – which have clusters of transmission linked to imported cases – the confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa are sporadic importations from European countries, mainly Italy, France, Germany and Spain.

  • Just in: Coronavirus outbreak now a pandemic – WHO

    Just in: Coronavirus outbreak now a pandemic – WHO

    The World Health Organisation, WHO, has declared Coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.

    The novel coronavirus outbreak is the first pandemic caused by a coronavirus, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday.

    “Describing the situation as a pandemic does not change WHO’s assessment of the threat posed by this coronavirus. It doesn’t change what WHO is doing, and it doesn’t change what countries should do,” he added.

    According to CNN, The specific criteria for a pandemic are not universally defined, but there are three general criteria: a virus that can cause illness or death; sustained person-to-person transmission of that virus; and evidence of spread throughout the world.

    The novel coronavirus has infected more than 115,800 people, including at least 1,000 in the US and killed over 4,200 worldwide, according to CNN’s tally.

    China’s National Health Commission has confirmed the virus, which causes a disease known as Covid-19, can be transmitted from person to person through “droplet transmission” — where a virus is passed on due to an infected person sneezing or coughing — as well as by direct contact.

    In mainland China, more than 80,700 cases of the virus and over 3,100 deaths have been recorded — the vast majority in Hubei province, ground zero for the outbreak.

    There are more than 35,000 confirmed cases of the virus in over 100 countries and territories outside mainland China. At least 1,120 people have died outside of mainland China from the virus.

  • Coronavirus, a reality in Africa, no longer a threat – WHO

    Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, says as African countries confirm cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the virus ceases to be a threat and becomes a reality on the continent.

    Moeti, in a statement posted on the organisation’s website, said Senegal reported its first case of COVID-19 on Monday, becoming the fourth African country to confirm the virus.

    She said “we are working with countries in the region to ensure that measures are taken to contain further spread of the virus.

    “So far, Algeria, Egypt and Nigeria have reported cases. The case in Senegal was confirmed a day after Algeria reported two new cases on March 1.”

    According to her, the Senegal patient is a French national and a resident of Senegal who returned to Dakar on Feb. 25.

    The case was confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory of the Pasteur Institute of Senegal.

    The Ministry of Health has notified WHO, and a team of experts from WHO’s Emergency Hub in Dakar are supporting the Senegalese health authorities.

    The patient had stayed in the southern French town of Nimes, as well as in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. He has been isolated at a hospital in Dakar.

    In addition, she said, WHO is supporting countries in their efforts to increase their preparedness, especially in ensuring early detection of vital signs and that control measures are in place and are as robust as possible.

    “WHO is working with our network of researchers and other experts to coordinate regional work on surveillance, epidemiology, modelling, diagnostics, clinical care and treatment, as well as other ways to identify, manage the disease and limit onward transmission.

    “WHO has issued interim guidance to countries, which is regularly updated, taking into account ongoing developments.

    “Guidance has recently been issued on topics, including quarantine measures, citizen repatriations, and how to ensure that workplaces are prepared for COVID-19,’’ the director said.

  • WHO puts Africa readiness for Coronavirus at 66%

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has conducted a survey with countries to assess their overall readiness for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and found Africa readiness level was estimated at 66 per cent.

    Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, in a statement issued from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said there was still a gap to be filled in the continent readiness.

    “WHO finds there are critical gaps in readiness for countries across the continent.

    “We need urgently to prioritise strengthening the capacities for countries to investigate alerts, treat patients in isolation facilities and improve infection, prevention and control in health facilities and in communities,’’ Moeti said.

    According to her, as the threat of coronavirus disease looms over the continent, WHO promised to support African Union Member States on a common preparedness and response strategy.

    WHO joined Health Ministers in an Emergency Meeting on the Coronavirus Disease Outbreak, which was convened on Saturday by the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    The African Ministers of Health discussed a joint communiqué on how to prepare for and potentially respond to COVID-19.

    WHO plays an active role in supporting countries to coordinate preparation efforts and so far has deployed more than 40 experts to 10 countries.

    The UN health agency has deployed experts to 10 countries to support coordination, treatment, infection, prevention and control, community engagement, surveillance and laboratory disease control.

    WHO has assisted countries in building their diagnostic capacity for COVID-19, and currently 26 laboratories are able to test for the new pathogen, up from just two early this month.

    “The threats posed by COVID-19, has cast a spotlight on the shortcomings in health systems in the African Region.

    “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 three billion dollars,’’ Moeti said.

    Preparedness efforts which countries already have in place are paying off.

    For instance, investments in Ebola preparedness for the nine neighbouring countries to the Democratic Republic of the Congo have yielded some dividends in relation to COVID-19.

    Most of these countries now have partner coordination structures in place, points-of-entry screening has been strengthened (particularly at major airports) and isolation units have been upgraded to manage suspected cases.

    Over the years, WHO has developed a national influenza network of laboratories and health facilities.

    The laboratories, which are members of the network, have been able to scale up their diagnostic capacity quickly and health facilities in the network are monitoring for severe acute respiratory infections and influenza-like illnesses.

    Using these conditions as a proxy for COVID-19 as they present with similar symptoms, so far this monitoring has not found any clustering or spike of influenza-like cases.

    As of Feb. 20, countries reported that since Jan. 22, countries report that 210 people have been investigated for COVID-10 in the WHO African region.

    204 cases have been ruled out and six cases are still pending.

  • African health system ill-equipped to handle Coronavirus outbreak – WHO

    How well equipped is the African health system to handle a possible Coronavirus outbreak in the continent?

    Ill-equipped, so said the World Health Organisation (WHO) yesterday.

    The Director General of the organisation, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned that African health systems appeared ill-equipped to respond to the deadly coronavirus outbreak should cases start to proliferate across the continent.

    Tedros therefore asked African Union member states “to come together to be more aggressive in attacking” the virus, known as COVID-19.

    “Our biggest concern continues to be the potential for COVID-19 to spread in countries with weaker health systems,” Tedros said during the emergency ministerial meeting on COVID-19 organised by the African Union and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

    He advised all countries to invest urgently in preparedness, stressing the need to take advantage of the window of opportunity available to attack the virus outbreak with a sense of urgency.

    The outbreak which began in December has already killed more than 2,200 people and infected more than 75,500 in China.

    More than 1,150 people have also been infected outside China, although Egypt is the only African country to have recorded a confirmed case.

    There have been more than 200 suspected cases in the WHO’s AFRO region, which includes most African countries, though nearly all have been confirmed negative, regional director Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti said yesterday.

    “But if COVID-19 starts to spread on the continent, African health systems will struggle to treat patients suffering from symptoms such as respiratory failure, septic shock and multi-organ failure,” WHO’s Tedros said.

    “These patients require intensive care using equipment such as respiratory support machines that are, as you know, in short supply in many African countries and that’s a cause for concern,” he said.

    According to him, China has now reported 75,569 cases, including 2,239 deaths, saying that data from China continues to show a decline in new cases.

    “This is welcome news, but it must be interpreted very cautiously. It is far too early to make predictions about this outbreak. Outside China, there are now 1,200 cases in 26 countries, with eight deaths. As you know, there is one confirmed case on the African continent in Egypt.

    “Several African countries have tested suspected cases of COVID-19, but fortunately they have been found negative.

    “We are especially concerned about the increase in cases in the Islamic Republic of Iran, where there are now 18 cases and four deaths in just the past two days,” he said.

    The director-general said that WHO had supplied testing kits to Iran, and would continue to provide further support in the coming days and weeks.

    “What has been reported from South Korea and Italy yesterday is also a matter of concern and how the virus is now spreading to other parts of the world.

    “But in addition to that, as I said earlier in my press conference, the window of opportunity is narrowing.

    “This meeting, I hope, will help us come together as a continent in attacking this virus,” he said.

    Ghebreyesus averred that the outbreak had captured the world’s attention in just seven weeks of the virus’ detection, and rightly so, saying it has the potential to cause severe political, social and economic upheaval.

    He noted that a WHO-led international team of experts including the Director-General of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, had been in China for the past week.