As part of its efforts to combat the Coronavirus pandemic in the West African region, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the procurement and donation of various health materials and drugs to its 15-member states.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Jean Claude Kassi Brou, revealed this in a communique issued on Tuesday, April 7, in Abuja, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to collaborating with each member state to tackle the challenges posed by COVID-19.
The West African Health Organization (WAHO), a branch of the Commission, has already purchased and distributed a range of supplies to member states, including 30,500 diagnostic test kits, 10,000 personal protective equipment, and 740,000 prescription tablets (Chloroquine and Azithromycin).
Additionally, orders have been placed for 240,000 diagnostic kits, 240,000 extraction kits, 250,000 viral sample transport equipment, 285,100 personal protective equipment, 268,100 masks, 120 ventilators, and quantities of alcohol gel and disinfectants.
ECOWAS commended and urged all member countries to maintain their efforts in combatting COVID-19, expressing solidarity with them and recognizing the measures already taken to contain the spread of the virus and provide care for the affected.
Mr. Jean Claude Kassi Brou highlighted the Commission’s close monitoring of the pandemic’s impact in West Africa, revealing that as of April 5, 2020, the 15-member states had reported 1,739 confirmed cases of contamination, 55 deaths, and 328 recoveries. He also noted that approximately 95% of the deaths occurred in patients with comorbid conditions.