The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has assured all of its 15 member states that it will continue to offer support to help in the fight against the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19).
All the 15 Member States are affected by the pandemic with at more than 1,000 confirmed cases and at least 55 deaths. Though as many as 328 persons who contracted the disease have fully recovered, countries continue to fight the spread of the COVID-19 to ensure it can be contained and tackled head-on.
Through a statement from ECOWAS dated Monday, April 6, 2020, it stressed that it will keep up with efforts to provide assistance for all the member states in these difficult times.
“In light of the spread of the pandemic, ECOWAS Commission reaffirms its solidarity with Member States and welcomes all the measures already taken to contain the spread of the pandemic and care for the sick. It remains committed to supporting Member States in the fight against this pandemic”, the statement signed by President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Jean-Claude Kassi Brou has said.
Already, ECOWAS through the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has dispatched 30 500 diagnostic test kits, 10 000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as well as 740 000 prescription tablets to all members states to help in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.
Orders have also been placed for 240,000 diagnostic kits, 240,000 extraction kits, 250,000 viral sample transport equipment, 285,100 PPEs, 268,1000 masks for medical personnel, 120 ventilators, and several thousands of litres of alcohol gel and disinfectants to be additionally distributed to the member states.