SA’s Covid-19 cases slowing down as Africa reaches one million case mark (Video)

As the number of Covid-19 cases in Africa approaches the one million mark, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reiterated the need for international solidarity in support of African countries.

During the July 30 press briefing WHO regional director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti was joined by and Dr Ahmed Al Mandhari, regional director of WHO for the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Together Moeti and Mandhari are responsible for WHO’s work in the 54 countries of the African continent.

The support called by Moeti is needed to respond to Covid-19 and to address the broader socio-economic consequences of this crisis.

Also read: Ethiopia vaccinates nearly 15-million children against measles despite Covid-19 challenges

“Today marks six months since WHO declared novel coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern.”

Moeti said at the time there were no confirmed cases in Africa.

Over 880,000 confirmed #COVID19 cases on the African continent – with almost 540,000 recoveries & 18,800 deaths.

View country figures & more with the WHO African Region COVID-19 Dashboard: https://t.co/V0fkK8dYTg pic.twitter.com/fZABSQmspC

— WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) July 30, 2020

“However, the situation has changed. Across the continent, there are almost 890 000 reported cases and approximately 18 000 people have lost their lives to Covid-19.”

“In the coming week, cases are projected to pass the one million mark.”

Moeti said as Africa approaches the one million-mark governments, partners and communities must work together to suppress Covid -19 transmission and mitigate the impacts of this pandemic on individuals, families, households and economies.

Also read: WHO prepares to mark six months since declaration of Covid-19 as public health emergency

She said in the past 25 days, cases in Africa have doubled.

“South Africa continues to account for the majority of cases, but the rate of increase has slowed with fewer new cases reported in the past seven days than in the previous week.”

@MoetiTshidi "What we have observed is that as countries have obtained more testing materials and increased their #testing, and have taken a more active testing approach, there has been an increase in the number of cases…but we do not think there is a silent epidemic"

— WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) July 30, 2020

“However, in over 20 African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya and Madagascar, there were more new cases in the past seven days than in the previous week.”

Moeti said as Africa and other parts of the world ease Covid-19 restrictions the number of positive cases rises.

“It is important that authorities and all communities have the capacities in place to react quickly and comprehensively with strong surveillance, testing, isolation and contact tracing,” said Moeti.

“These are the key strategies that need to be in place.”

“As we adjust to this new normal together, I ask governments, partners and communities globally, to keep in mind that no-one is safe until we are all safe.”

“It is imperative that with international solidarity, we focus on equity and serving the most vulnerable among us.”

@MoetiTshidi "Over all, the pandemic is increasing and accelerating if we take a continental look, but also about 5 countries account for almost 75% of the total cumulative cases in the continent…we have a situation that is very diverse".

— WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) July 30, 2020

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