The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on African countries to implement critical actions to prevent the outbreak of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) from overwhelming health services in the region, as the numbers increase by at least 25% a day.

WHO says since the start of the outbreak, 39 countries have reported more than 1 800 cases of Covid-19, and there have been 31 deaths.

This morning South Africa reported its first two deaths, increasing that number.

WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti said it is most important that countries still work hard on containing the spread of Covid-19, while preparing for a broader expansion of the virus.

“Every arm of every government must work together to stop this virus from wreaking havoc in Africa. Countries must use this two-week window of opportunity to scale-up their actions before it is too late,” he said.

In a ten-point strategy released on Thursday, WHO is calling for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to ease the deployment of staff and the shipment of supplies, as well as urging governments and the private sector to boost medical supplies and equipment.

It says under the plan, countries should expand the numbers of health workers deployed by re-purposing staff, increasing public health education to help communities stay safe and protect others, and identifying and equipping facilities to treat and isolate patients.

WHO has also mobilised and re-purposed its personnel, trained more emergency responders, through online sessions, and supported effective coordination for the Covid-19 response.

“Our top priority is to support countries in Africa in their response. We need all countries to act now – both to keep the virus from spreading and to help support preparedness and response efforts in vulnerable countries,” said Moeti. 

Lately cases have been reported due to contact with people who travelled within Africa, unlike before, he said.

WHO also commended national authorities who have taken proactive measures to limit or prevent social interaction, or to implement quarantining and isolation arrangements. 

Dr Moeti said they would the rally the world, including the private sector to boost critical medical supplies and equipment and educate communities to protect themselves and others.

WHO said it will also look into setting up scientific and research teams to guide the response, taking into account Africa’s specificities.