The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control (CDC) have launched a new laboratory network that will reinforce genome sequencing of coronavirus in Africa.
The initiative seeks to study the possible mutations of the virus in order to prepare better responses in public health.
Experts from the WHO and the Africa CDC believe that the move will help countries understand the different strains of the SARS-Cov-2 virus, in order in improve the countries’ responses, treatments or possible vaccines and make them more relevant to the continent’s population.
Twelve specialised laboratories will join the network in Africa. Ten different lineages have been identified so far in the continent.
This move comes after the Africa CDC said that early reports were showing that the Covid-19 curve was flattening in Africa, which has a significantly lower number of cases and deaths because of the virus when compared to the rest of the world.
But the WHO has cautioned against any premature celebration as African nations are also testing their populations much less than the rest of the world.
Latest Stories
-
Paris 2024: Opening ceremony showcases grandiose celebration of French culture and diversity
3 hours -
Spectacular photos from the Paris 2024 opening ceremony
4 hours -
How decline of Indian vultures led to 500,000 human deaths
4 hours -
Paris 2024: Ghana rocks ‘fabulous fugu’ at olympics opening ceremony
5 hours -
Trust Hospital faces financial strain with rising debt levels – Auditor-General’s report
5 hours -
Electrochem lease: Allocate portions of land to Songor people – Resident demand
5 hours -
82 widows receive financial aid from Chayil Foundation
5 hours -
The silent struggles: Female journalists grapple with Ghana’s high cost of living
6 hours -
BoG yet to make any payment to Service Ghana Auto Group
6 hours -
‘Crushed Young’: The Multimedia Group, JL Properties surprise accident victim’s family with fully-furnished apartment
6 hours -
Asante Kotoko needs structure that would outlive any administration – Opoku Nti
7 hours -
JoyNews exposé on Customs officials demanding bribes airs on July 29
7 hours -
JoyNews Impact Maker Awardee ships first consignment of honey from Kwahu Afram Plains
8 hours -
Joint committee under fire over report on salt mining lease granted Electrochem
8 hours -
Life Lounge with Edem Knight-Tay: Don’t be beaten the third time
9 hours