ECOWAS supports member states’ campaign against COVID-19

Against the backdrop of the continued spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has reaffirmed its solidarity with its member states by supplying medical supplies and equipment essential for the fight against the pandemic across the 15 member states.

In a statement signed by Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, president of the ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS said it welcomes all the measures already taken to contain the spread of the pandemic and remains committed to supporting Member States in the fight against the virus.  The statement adds that the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), the specialised health institution of ECOWAS responsible for coordinating response to COVID-19 at the regional level, has drawn up a Regional Strategic Plan for COVID-19 with all ECOWAS Member States.

ECOWAS said WAHO had already purchased and dispatched to the 15 Member States 30, 500 diagnostic test kits; 740, 000 prescription tablets (Chloroquine and Azithromycin); as well as10, 000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including coveralls, aprons, gowns, gloves, goggles, and boots. It adds that orders had been placed to acquire additional 240,000 diagnostic kits; 240,000 extraction kits; 250,000 viral sample transport equipment; and 285,100 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Others were 268,100 masks for medical personnel; 120 ventilators; several thousand litres of alcohol-based gel and disinfectants.

The statement said WAHO was also working, in close collaboration with the Member States, “to deploy personnel and epidemiological surveillance and data collection tools, strengthen the capacity of reference laboratories and train technical personnel.”