SUN, FEB 16 2020-theG&BJournal-Health Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held an emergency meeting Friday in Bamako, Republic of Mali to review their preparedness and response to the COVID-19 virus.
The ministers emphasised the urgency of the current situation regarding the disease and in the end agreed strategies for protecting the population of the region from the deadly disease.
The ministers in a communique issued after the meeting promised to among others;
-Strengthen coordination, communication, and collaboration among member States in preparedness for COVID-19 epidemic, particularly cross-border collaboration.
-Enhance surveillance measures at entry points, air land and sea
-Step up communication to ensure that the public receives accurate, appropriate and timely information regarding the epidemic
-Urgently strengthen critical national capacities for diagnosing and managing cases
-Develop a strategic costed regional preparedness plan based on Member States’ priorities.
-Promote multi-sectoral national efforts using one-health approach to maximise impact.
-Implement robust measures to assure availability of critical medical supplies, including laboratory materials, and personal protective equipment in the region.
-Work closely with the relevant authorities of National Governments and the Chinese Government to monitor and assure the health situation of the ECOWAS citizens resident in China.
The Minister expressed support and commended the efforts of the Chinese government to manage the epidemic.
Globally recorded total cases of the virus is now 67,090. None has been reported in the ECOWAS region so far. Nigeria’s Minister of Health told reporters Saturday that ‘’no case has been confirmed in Nigeria in general’’
The NCDC DG noted that since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the protocol Nigeria is to test returning travellers from China with symptoms.
”So far, five people have been tested. RESULTS were NEGATIVE. These are not ‘coronavirus cases’ as described in media articles,” he assured.
France becomes the first country in Europe to report a fatality. An 80-year old man has died in the country. Reports say the man travelled from the Hubei province on January 16. He died of a lung infection sparked by the bug which caused his condition to rapidly deteriorate. French Health Minister Agnes Buzy confirmed the case today.
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