As Algeria becomes the second country in Africa, after Egypt to confirm a COVID-19 case, the World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting countries to step up their readiness and prepare to transition into response mode. On 25th February, the Algerian Government confirmed that an Italian male, who had entered the country recently had tested positive for COVID-19.
WHO representative to Algeria, Dr Francois Nguessan noted that although this was a public health event of international concern, it also demonstrated that “the mechanisms put in place succeeded in detecting this case of COVID-19”. Algerian Health authorities report that epidemiological investigations into who else may have been in contact with the first patient began immediately. A toll-free number has been established in Algeria for concerned members of the public to call for information and advice, or to report any suspected cases….more
