The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it is committed to helping its member states in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
ECOWAS in a statement said its specialised health Institution responsible for coordinating covid-19 response at the regional level, has drawn up a Regional Strategic Plan with all Member States.
In a statement, the commission noted: “Thus, to address the emergency at hand, ECOWAS has immediately made available financial support from its own resources, in addition to assistance from international partners, for the purchase of medical supplies and equipment essential for the fight against the pandemic.
“WAHO has already purchased and dispatched to the 15 Member States: 30 500 diagnostic test kits; 10 000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Coveralls, Aprons, gowns, gloves, goggles, boots); 740 000 prescription tablets (Chloroquine and Azithromycin)”.
The statement stressed that an order has been placed for the procurement of more testing kits and other relevant materials for member states.
Below are details of a statement from ECOWAS
ECOWAS continues to closely monitor the evolution of the Coronavirus pandemic in the world and particularly in West Africa. As of 5 April 2020, the 15 Member States are affected by the pandemic with 1 739 confirmed cases of contamination, 55 deaths and 328 persons who have fully recovered.
It should be noted that approximately 95% of deaths are patients with comorbid conditions.
- In light of the spread of the pandemic, ECOWAS Commission reaffirms its solidarity with the Member States and welcomes all the measures already taken to contain the spread of the pandemic and care for the sick.
It remains committed to supporting Member States in the fight against this pandemic. In this regard, the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), its specialised health Institution responsible for coordinating the response at the regional level, has drawn up a Regional Strategic Plan with all Member States.
- Thus, to address the emergency at hand, ECOWAS has immediately made available financial support from its own resources, in addition to assistance from international partners, for the purchase of medical supplies and equipment essential for the fight against the pandemic.
- WAHO has already purchased and dispatched to the 15 Member States:
– 30 500 diagnostic test kits;
10 000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Coveralls, Aprons, gowns, gloves, goggles, boots);
– 740 000 prescription tablets (Chloroquine and Azithromycin);
- Orders have been placed to acquire for Member States, the following items: –
240,000 diagnostic kits; – 240,000 extraction kits; – 250,000 viral sample transport equipment; – 285,100 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
– 268,1000 masks for medical personnel (face masks, surgical masks, full face masks); – 120 ventilators; – Several thousand litres of alcohol gel and disinfectants.