The World Health Organization or WHO called for greater access to COVID-19 detection, testing and care among vulnerable populations grappling with the impacts of protracted conflict and humanitarian emergencies across Africa.
It said the long-running conflicts in regions like the Sahel have led to the closure of health facilities and the flight of health workers.
‘COVID-19 has exacerbated existing humanitarian challenges, particularly with regards to access to health services in many countries in the region,’ said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
He added that ‘with the pandemic we have seen some humanitarian operations delayed due to lockdowns, curfews and the restrictions of movement for both personnel and cargo vital for COVID-19 response.’
In Burkina Faso, 110 health facilities have been closed due to insecurity while services have been impaired in 186 others, leaving around 1.5 million people without adequate health care.
Persistent attacks have paralysed health services in central and northern regions of Mali’s.
In 2019 alone, 18 attacks on health facilities were reported. So far this year, one health centre has been attacked.