By John Ikani
The World Health Organization (WHO) has kicked against the trend of African countries rolling back Covid-19 surveillance and quarantine measures, stressing that it is is not ideal.
According to the global health body, “it is worrisome that a continent with the lowest rates of vaccination in the world is easing prophylactic measures in the face of a pandemic.
“It is a matter of concern that nearly half of all countries in Africa have stopped tracing the contacts of cases. This, along with robust testing, is the backbone of any pandemic response”, said Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO’s regional director for Africa, in a virtual press conference on Thursday.
While acknowledging that the cut back on surveillance and other measures were not unconnected to pressure on nations to open up the economy, the WHO called for sustained vigilance.
“Lifting the public health measures does not mean lifting the foot off the pedal of pandemic vigilance,” Dr Moeti said.
It is worthwhile to note that the WHO’s caution comes amid a recent spike in Covid cases in other parts of the world.
About 201 million people or 15% of Africa’s population are fully vaccinated compared with the global average of 57%, according to WHO.
