The World Health Organisation (WHO) is urging caution over the increasing number of African countries rolling back Covid-19 surveillance and quarantine measures.
The WHO says this is especially "worrisome in a continent that still has the lowest rates of vaccination in the world".
It said that because of the pressure to open up the economy, countries were cutting back on surveillance and other measures.
“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 WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, in a virtual press conference on Thursday.
The WHO’s caution comes amid a recent spike in Covid cases in other parts of the world.
“Lifting the public health measures does not mean lifting the foot off the pedal of pandemic vigilance,” Dr Moeti said.
About 201 million people or 15% of Africa’s population are fully vaccinated compared with the global average of 57%, according to WHO.
Latest Stories
-
‘I look forward to working closely with President-elect Faye to enhance Ghanaian-Senegalese relations’ – Akufo-Addo
50 mins -
Girl, 8, only survivor as 45 killed in bus crash in South Africa
1 hour -
Biden to host star-studded NYC fundraiser with Obama and Clinton
2 hours -
GDNR, AAU and others launch Universal Acceptance for local languages in internet domain names
2 hours -
Ogum and Kotoko’s March malaise
4 hours -
BushGang Zee releases new afro dancehall anthem “Accra Stay By Plan”
4 hours -
2 repair vessels dispatched for undersea cable repairs – says NCA’s latest update
4 hours -
Multimedia Group Limited’s Clinton Yeboah shortlisted for 2 International Sports Press Association Awards
4 hours -
Supreme Court upholds High Court verdict on fraudulent sale of property by Senior Police Officer
5 hours -
NHIS Biometric Membership Authentication System limited rollout satisfactory – NHIA Deputy CEO
5 hours -
Yara Ghana donates 1,107 bags of fertilizers to women farmers, farmers with disabilities
5 hours -
Tinubu forms team to find solutions to ailing economy
5 hours -
Jacob Zuma barred from running in South Africa election
5 hours -
Western Cape Education wins national primary school track and field championships
6 hours -
Cyber Security Authority issues Public Alert over Easter and Eid al-Fitr season scams
6 hours