News & Analysis: DRC
“The Ebola vaccine developed by Merck also used ultra-cold equipment of about -70 oC and we were able to deploy that vaccine in the Democratic Republic of Congo to respond to the North Kivu outbreak where more than 300,000 people were immunized.”
“The World Health Organization has launched a new coronavirus safety awareness campaign targeting Africa’s youth population. The Mask Up campaign aims to reach over 40 million young people in Africa on social media by end of 2020.”
“Community health workers have been critical in risk communication, contact tracing, transporting supplies, and ensuring the continuity of essential services. Community health workers serve as the link between the community and the response team, which is important to building trust and encouraging the uptake of health interventions.”
“Lessons learnt from the Ebola outbreaks in Democratic Republic of Congo have shown that risk communications and community engagement are critical and should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination strategies.”
“New evidence suggests more moderate virus containment measures may be as effective in saving lives as stringent lockdowns – while saving economies.”
“To understand the response to COVID-19 in Africa we must look beyond actions taken by formal states. The roles played by various public authorities, operating below the national level, are crucial in shaping the pandemic’s long-term legacy.”
“While many nations ease their COVID-19 measures and citizens dare to breathe a little easier, experts are warning against letting the continent’s success lapse into complacency. The continent’s hardest-hit nation, South Africa has reeled under one of the world’s strictest lockdowns.”
“Emboldened by the declining COVID-19 infections, EAC partner states are in the process or have already re-opened their borders, hotels and schools. EAC partner states are expected to lose more than $54 billion of local tourists spending for 2020, on account of protracted closures of seaports and airports.”
“Governments across the continent are beginning to shift responsibility for public health on to companies and individuals as they seek to restart their economies after months of disruption.”
“When compared to the economies of the G20 and the multilateral banks’ capital bases, the US$68 billion needed for Africa is insignificant. But it could save hundreds of lives. The time is now for stronger and prolonged action by the international community.”
A hub for information, analysis, and the global response to COVID-19’s impact on Africa