Over 10,000 Health Workers In 40 Countries In Africa Infected With COVID-19 - WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of the threat the COVID-19 pandemic has on health workers across the African continent, stating that over 10,000 health workers across 40 countries have been infected with the coronavirus.

The organisation made this disclosure in a statement on Thursday.

In the statement, the WHO said that this development comes as the cases on the continent continues to gather steam, with over 750,000 coronavirus cases and more than 15,000 fatalities.

Many African countries, the statement said, are facing higher numbers, putting a strain on the healthcare system of these countries, many of which are unable to handle the high numbers.

South Africa continues to remain the African country with the highest number of coronavirus cases on the continent, making one of the worst-hit countries in the world, with over 408,000 cases, and more than 6,000 deaths.

The statement said, “The World Health Organization (WHO) today warned of the threat posed by COVID-19 to health workers across Africa. More than 10 000 health workers in the 40 countries which have reported on such infections have been infected with COVID-19 so far, a sign of the challenges medical staff on the frontlines of the outbreak face.).

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“This comes as COVID-19 cases in Africa appear to be gathering pace. There are now more than 750,000 cases of COVID-19, with over 15,000 deaths. Some countries are approaching a critical number of infections that can place stress on health systems. South Africa is now among the worst-hit countries in the world.

“WHO is also helping to fill gaps in the supply of personal protective equipment. Currently, 41 million items of personal protective equipment are ready to ship from China to cover the needs of 47 African countries. Shipments for an initial set of 23 African countries are planned to start during this weekend.” 

The WHO regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said that the mounting cases on the continent is "placing an ever-greater strain on health services" throughtout the African continent.

Moeti also said that a single infection among health workers is "one too many," as these people are our "mothers, brothers, and sisters."

The growth we are seeing in COVID-19 cases in Africa is placing an ever-greater strain on health services across the continent,” Moeti said.

“This has very real consequences for the individuals who work in them, and there is no more sobering example of this than the rising number of health worker infections.

“One infection among health workers is one too many. Doctors, nurses and other health professionals are our mothers, brothers and sisters. They are helping to save lives endangered by COVID-19. We must make sure that they have the equipment, skills and information they need to keep themselves, their patients and colleagues safe.”