By Joyce Asuquo
Health ministers from the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS converged in Abuja to strengthen their support for member states for a regional preparedness and response against the Coronavirus, Covid-19.
Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, at a news conference made this known while briefing journalists on the outcome of an emergency meeting held in Bamako, Republic of Mali.
Mamora disclosed that members’ states agreed to provide technical guidance and tools, adding that they have also stepped up proactive measures to ensure the best chance of containing a possible outbreak.
According to the minister, the urgency of the current situation regarding Covid-19, necessitated the convening of the meeting to agree on strategies toward protecting the population of the region.
He said, “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.’’
“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 capacities for diagnosing and managing cases.
We will develop a strategic cost of regional preparedness plan based on member states’ priorities for governments, partners and the private sector to support,” he said.
He noted that the member states also resolved to promote multi-sectoral national efforts, using one-health approach to maximise impact in the region.
He further stressed that the member states would work closely with relevant authorities of national governments and the Chinese Government to monitor and assess the health situation of ECOWAS citizens resident in China.
“The ministers note, support and commend the efforts of the Government of the People’s Republic of China toward managing the epidemic.’’
They expressed gratitude to President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita of the Republic of Mali and the Government and People of Mali for their warm welcome and hospitality, and all the facilities availed to them during the emergency meeting.
“The ministers endorsed the final communiqué and report of the emergency meeting.”
Meanwhile,the Director General of West African Health Organization, WAHO, Professor. Stanley Okolo, said that there is an increase in the number of laboratories in Africa that could test samples for Covid-19.
