The West African Health Organisation, WAHO, has said that it is critical that all countries in West Africa collaborate with each other to take precautionary measures against the outbreak of Coronavirus in the region.
In a statement on the Coronavirus in China, which has claimed 80 lives in that country with about 3,000 confirmed cases across the world, WAHO, says it will continue to monitor and provide regular updates on this rapidly changing situation.
It fully supports WHO’s recommendations to countries regarding active surveillance, early detection, isolation and case management, and contact tracing to prevent further spread of this outbreak.
The statement states ongoing measures to protect the region and what people should do to protect themselves.
Coordination with ECOWAS Member States?
WAHO is coordinating with the Member States to share real-time information on the outbreak, enhance communication between countries and strengthen countries’ surveillance capacity, including early detection of suspected cases through thermal camera surveillance at international borders.
One such suspected case arriving Abidjan airport recently was immediately detected and isolated and tests are now being performed to confirm whether this is a case of coronavirus or not.
WAHO has also implemented a regional laboratory network for access to rapid biological diagnostic facilities by the Member States and has a standby Regional Rapid Response Team to support countries if required.
How should individuals protect themselves?
WAHO strongly advises individuals to take the following measures to protect themselves and their loved ones:
• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water or clean them using alcohol-based sanitizers;• When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with tissue or hand, and throw away the tissue immediately and wash your hands thoroughly;• Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;• If you have fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical care immediately and inform your health care provider of all your recent travel history;• In any areas with high suspicion of Coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals when visiting markets;• At all times, avoid eating raw or undercooked meat. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods.
