World Health Organization or WHO is warning African countries of losing the gains they have made so far against COVID-19 if lockdown is ended abruptly.
WHO in a statement appealed to African countries to maintain strong surveillance, case finding and testing among other control measures to halt the pandemic.
‘If governments abruptly end these measures, we risk losing the gains countries have made so far against COVID-19’, cautioned Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
He added that ‘national and regional lockdowns have helped to slow down the spread of COVID, but it remains a considerable public health threat.
Moeti said Africa to date, has recorded more than 36 000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and over 1500 deaths.
West and Central Africa are regions of concern as there are 11000 cases with 300 people have died.
Who recalled that prompt action by governments to implement lockdowns and physical distancing; alongside effective public health measures to test, trace and treat have slowed down the spread of the virus.