Reports of varying nature about coronavirus, now being designated COVID-19, are pouring in from all around the world. Among these, one of the reassuring developments has been the release of 1,425 patients from hospitals after being cured. Overall, serious cases have decreased by 628, says a report by China’s National Health Commission. [1]
COVID-19 case has been detected in Africa. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
On the other hand, the first possible coronavirus infection has been detected in Africa. This comes fresh on the heels on the global community wondering about the dearth of cases in the continent. It was mainly being attributed to the lack of testing facilities and other such resources in the African countries. The person affected is reported to be from Egypt. [2]
From within the continent, the WHO is reported to have prioritized 13 countries to extend support to combatting the COVID-19 crisis. The nations, shortlisted on the basis of their trade links with China, include Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Nine cases have now been confirmed in the Eastern Mediterranean Region as of February 16th, 2020. [3]
Speaking about dealing with the situation, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “This outbreak is a test of solidarity — political, financial and scientific. We need to come together to fight a common enemy that does not respect borders, ensure that we have the resources necessary to bring this outbreak to an end and bring our best science to the forefront to find shared answers to shared problems. Research is an integral part of the outbreak response. I appreciate the positive response of the research community to join us at short notice and come up with concrete plans and commitment to work together.”
According to another article published in the Nature journal, over 80 clinical trials are running or pending in China, to figure out potential treatments for the epidemic. If estimates are to be believed, the coronavirus cases in China are expected to come down by April. Meanwhile, countries and organizations all around the world are joining forces to tackle the number of cases that have already surpassed previous coronavirus outbreaks. [4]
COVID-19 is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation.
Get the latest public health information from CDC.
Get the latest research from NIH. [5] [6]
