WHO: COVID-19 in Africa: from readiness to response

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 25^th 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