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Covid-19: ECOWAS ministers to strengthen regional preparedness

MINISTERS of Health of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has asented to support member states for regional preparations and response to the ongoing Covid-19 (Coronavirus).

Minister of State for Health Olorunnimbe Mamora revealed this at a news conference yesterday in Abuja on the outcome of an emergency meeting held in Bamako, Republic of Mali.

Mamora said members agreed to provide technical guidance and tools specifically to member states.

He added that member states had also stepped up proactive measures to ensure the best chance of containing a possible outbreak.

The minister emphasised the urgency of the present situation regarding Covid-19, which necessitated the convening of the meeting to agree on strategies toward protecting the population of the region.

He noted that “following expert presentation on the global situation, the processes currently in place in the region and laboratory preparedness, the ministers resolved to strengthen coordination, communication and collaboration among member states.

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“This is in preparation for the Covid-19 epidemic, including cross-border collaboration.

“We will enhance surveillance and management measures for Covid-19, particularly at entry points – air, land, and sea.

“We will also step up communication to ensure that the public receives accurate, appropriate and timely information regarding the epidemic

Mamora added that the health ministers also resolved to urgently strengthen critical national equipments for diagnosing and managing cases.

“We will develop a strategic costed regional preparedness plan based on member states’ priorities for governments, partners and the private sector to support,” he said.

He explained that the member states also resolved to promote multi-sectoral national efforts, using one-health approach to maximise impact in the region.

He said the member states would be working closely with relevant authorities of national governments and the Chinese Government to monitor and assess the health situation of ECOWAS citizens resident in China.

Updates from Africa Centre for Disease Control, Nigeria and 17 other countries in Africa have identified people with symptoms and travel history as per case definition for COVID-19.

All cases tested have been negative, except for one confirmed case in Egypt reported on Feb. 14.

Ayanfeoluwa Akintoye

Ayanfeoluwa Akintoye is a reporter, News writer and Editor

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Ayanfeoluwa Akintoye

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