The epidemic, which has spread to several regions of the world, is now an international emergency.
No case of coronavirus has yet been reported in Africa. But several countries in the region are on the alert to prevent the spread of this new virus from China.
The World Health Organization is accelerating preparedness for the new virus that is likely to affect Africa. There are many links between China and the mainland, and an outbreak of the epidemic is likely. WHO wants to act quickly and insists on active surveillance and early detection to avoid possible spread.
The faster countries can detect cases, the faster they can contain an epidemic and ensure that health systems are not overwhelmed by the new coronavirus.
WHO has sent a guidance note to all countries on how to prepare for a possible coronavirus outbreak. In particular, it recommends effective control in ports and airports, the establishment of a platform to isolate suspected or confirmed cases and the dissemination of good information to the public. The organization has identified 13 priority countries because of their direct links with China: South Africa, Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Zambia.
Several countries have already taken preventive measures and issue recommendations. Control is reinforced in large international airports such as those of Nairobi, Dakar, Accra or Lagos with sometimes thermal cameras or taking the temperature to detect a fever. Suspected or confirmed cases are placed in isolation pending verification tests. Despite all the goodwill of local authorities, health systems in many African countries remain fragile and even failing and are not armed enough to cope with a new virus.
Our biggest concern is the possibility that the virus will spread to countries with weaker health systems
It is no secret that health facilities are often limited in many African countries. In the specific case of this new coronavirus, there are only two reference laboratories in the African region (in the DRC and Gabon) capable of carrying out reliable tests, as specified by the WHO. The organization, which relies on rapid detection to avoid large outbreaks of the epidemic, will send screening kits to around 20 countries for better diagnoses.
In this context of international alert, the WHO recommends good hygiene with simple practices accessible to all: washing hands with soap or using an alcoholic solution and cooking food, especially meat. Other protection advice is published on the WHO website.
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