Tedros Ghebreyesus the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General warned Africans not to lift the existing restrictions and measures put in place to fight COVID-19 as this would result in a deadly resurgence of the pandemic disease in Africa.
On Friday, Tedros Ghebreyesus in a briefing conference stated that the low infection rate in the continent isn’t enough reason to lift the restrictions and measures already put in place for COVID-19.
According to the report, confined cases are skyrocketing in rural areas or part of the continent with weak or less accessible health care.
According to him, countries need to be more deliberate in urgently improving the existing public and primary health care infrastructure.
Following the recent meeting held by the G20 countries, they conveyed strong support for the continent. Although the infection figures in Africa are low, they are however accelerating as confirmed cases are recorded daily.
While some countries in Africa are planning to lift the stay home directives, the Director-General of WHO warned that this could lead to a deadly resurgence.
He stated that the WHO more than anything wants everyone to go back to their daily lives, but this can only be done if everyone first complies with restrictions put in place.
According to UN diplomat, there are six important factors to consider in the battle against the pandemic disease. First, the transmission must be controlled. Second, Health/medical practitioners are sufficient and medical services are available to the general public.
The third is, ensuring that outbreak risks in special settings like long-term care facilities are reduced. Fourth, preventive measures in workplaces and other areas must be out in place.
The Penultimate factor is, importation risks should be carefully managed and lastly, the general public should be sensitized against the pandemic disease.
The continent has recorded more than 13 000 recorded cases and about 695 deaths.
