Borno state strengthens measures to prevent COVID-19 outbreak

Port health services screening arriving passegners for temperature at Maiduguri international airport._Photo_WHO_C.Onuekwe_ (1)

Maiduguri, 21 March 2020 - “The vulnerability of population in Borno state coupled with the confirmation of outbreaks of COVID-19 in other parts of Nigeria, has necessitated the setting up of a special task force to step up and expand the spectrum of prevention and control activities in the state,” says Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the  Governor of Borno State. 

Borno closes Lassa fever outbreak, briefs Media on COVID-19

Borno Commissioner for Health and WHO Emergency Manager Dr. Owili in a Press briefing on COVID-19 Maiduguri. Photo_WHO_C. Onuekwe.jpg

Maiduguri, 21 March, 2020 - Following concerted partners’ response, led by the World Health Organization, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Salihu Kwayabura has declared an end of Lassa fever outbreak in Borno State. The current outbreak, which was the second in almost five decades, was isolated from a 30-year old man from Garba Buzu settlement in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council on 23 January 2020. 

More than 600 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Africa

More than 600 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Africa
More than 600 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in 34 countries in Africa as of 19 March, compared with 147 cases one week ago. Although the region has seen a significant increase in confirmed cases recently, there are still fewer cases than in other parts of the world.

WHO Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Resources and Information

As the on-going Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to develop, WHO is committed to provide accessible evidence based resources and information.  Below are links to some of WHO Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) resources and information.  

Uganda Uses Recent Outbreak Experience to Prepare for Coronavirus

Health workers screen travelers for signs and symptoms of COVID-19

As the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) spreads to low-income countries including Uganda, health authorities have intensified prevention measures that have been lauded by donors and the general public. There is no confirmed case in the country so far, but the measures in place are evidence of a country that knows too-well, the social and economic consequences of disease outbreaks with epidemic potential.

Disease outbreaks not new to Uganda

Sierra Leone institutes additional COVID-19 preparedness and response measures

The United Nations and other partners supporting government of Sierra Leone's readiness and response to COVID-19
Sierra Leone has instituted travel restrictions as additional precautionary and extraordinary measures in preparedness to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. A statement issued on 16 March by the Office of the President prohibits all overseas travel for all government officials and urged the general public to “refrain, as far as possible, from overseas travel until further notice”. The directive further bans all public gatherings of more than 100 people.

“Being a woman, serving humanity spurs me to greater heights”, - female, WHO hard-to-reach team member

Woman reaching vulnerable populations with vaccines

Maiduguri, 16 March 2020 - “Sometimes, I feel disadvantaged. Sometimes, I feel threatened. But at all times, I am motivated by the fact that being a woman and rendering healthcare services to humanity spur me to greater heights,” says Binta, a community health extension worker in Kwaya Kusar, Borno state. “In my five years of working experience with the hard-to-reach team, this has become my daily mantra and greatest source of motivation” she added.

Africa is one-step away from wild polio eradication verdict

ARCC team monitoring Immunization processes.jpg

Abuja, 16 March 2020 – The African region completes a critical step towards wild polio eradication as the independent commission to decide on the African Region’s wild poliovirus-free status has concluded its final field visit to Nigeria, after conducting critical review and analysis to verify the draft documentation attesting to the country’s polio-free status. 

First Case of COVID-19 confirmed in Rwanda

COVID_19_Schools closed_Children back home
The Ministry of Health of Rwanda has reported the country’s first case of COVID-19, an Indian citizen, male.  The transmission is believed to have occurred abroad.  The patient who arrived from Mumbai, India on 08 March 2020 has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The patient had no symptoms upon arrival in Rwanda and reported himself to a health facility on 13 March, where he was immediately tested. He is currently under treatment in stable conditions, isolated from other patients.