The World Health Organisation says it is making efforts to ensure that COVID-19 vaccine is available and accessible to all countries once a proven vaccine is available.
The WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said this while addressing a live virtual session of the 70th WHO Regional Committee for Africa.
He said the organisation had been working round the clock since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, noting that African countries now have a preparedness and response plan in place.
“Our continent is facing a health crisis unlike any we have faced before. Yesterday, we crossed 1 million reported cases in the region, with more than 20,000 deaths. The number of cases has doubled just in the past 6 weeks.”
“Everyone has a role to play from cleaning hands to maintaining physical distance, staying at home and wearing of masks where physical distancing is not possible,” Ghebreyesus said.
The WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti said countries in the Region have significant experience in dealing with numerous and sometimes widespread epidemics.
“COVID-19 has proven once again, the importance of investing in health systems, enhancing equitable access to care, improving readiness to prevent and control outbreaks,” Moeti said.
