The World Health Organisation (WHO) regional director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, has said that Africa is on course to be certified free of wild poliovirus.
Moeti who stated at the two-day virtual World Health Assembly 2020 holding in Geneva, Switzerland on Tuesday said the development is a major public health milestone in Africa.
Nevertheless, she called for continued support to make healthcare a reality for every African.
On COVID-19, Moeti said the pandemic had reached every member state, and that over half of the countries had community transmission of the virus.
“Much has been said about the weaknesses of African health systems, and many African communities are very vulnerable because of socio-economic determinants
“Governments are working day and night; WHO and partners like Africa Centre for Disease Control are supporting them to saves lives.
“Global solidarity is urgently needed to address shortages of test kits across the region and ensure equitable access,” she said.
She said the office had repurposed more than 900 regional and country office staff and deployed 100 international experts to curb the spread of the virus.
Besides, Moeti said the office was working with governments and partners to establish humanitarian corridors to provide additional support and supplies, adding that the assistance had helped to mobilise over 300 million dollars for public health actions.
“We are coordinating the plan with other UN agencies and partners to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19
“As we fight this pandemic, we cannot lose sight of other priorities,’’ she said.
The two-day World Health Assembly is to stop the spread of the COVID-19, map out easing of the stay-at-home and lockdown orders, pending treatment and vaccines, as well as calls to investigate the origin of the virus.
NAN
