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Since the emergence of COVID-19 in December 2019, over 216 countries and territories have been affected globally. Like a raging fire, COVID-19 has left in its trail over a million deaths and 50 million infections worldwide. Ghana has had its share of this global pandemic, with a little over 49,000 confirmed cases and 320 deaths as at November 9, 2020.

When Ghana recorded its first two cases on March 12, 2020, the Government of Ghana quickly activated a multi-sectoral response strategy to tackle and control the situation. For the purposes of understanding the trajectory of the disease locally and inform policy decisions, the government embarked on enhanced contact tracing and testing. This meant that the availability of sample collection kits, laboratory reagents and needed testing equipment sensitive to detect the coronavirus and aid in diagnosis was critical to the success of this implementation. The WHO through funds provided by the government of China partnered and supported the country through the provision of sample collection kits and reagents. The country through this continuous support has conducted over 550,000 tests with testing capacity expanding from initial two PCR testing sites to 17 PCR testing sites across the country as at November 2020.
Providing clear communications on the pandemic has been one of the key strategies adopted by the government of Ghana to enable people have accurate information to make informed decisions and ensure the success of response strategies being implemented. The president, Nana Akuffo-Addo has so far addressed the nation 23 times on measures taken to curb the spread of COVID-19. As evolving as the pandemic itself, is the surge in misinformation about treatment, cures and prevention of coronavirus with a high likelihood of causing harm to people and derailing the response strategies. To counter this ‘misinfodemic’ and provide access to open, accurate and timely information reaching a wide audience of people, the WHO through funds provided by China supported the country to produce key videos on COVID-19 and in strengthening the Ghana Health Service website for COVID-19. Today the country is able to reach over 2.6M people with COVID-19 information through key COVID-19 videos streamed on various social media. The GHS website had over 165,201 views between 15-21 July.
The Rapid Response Team (RRT) forms a major component in the emergency response framework. RRT consists of interdisciplinary teams of trained personnel ready to be deployed in a public health emergency. These teams should remain trained and have standard protocols to enable prompt and effective emergency response. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ghana, the Eastern Region remains part of the top five regions with high burden of cases. To enable the region respond effectively to the pandemic and reduce community transmission, the WHO with funding from the government of China supported the Eastern Regional Health Directorate to train 240 Rapid Response Team members and Contact Tracers to build capacity to early detect COVID-19 cases and conduct effective contact tracing. Onsite technical support was provided to 10 selected districts on sample collection, contact listing and transportation of samples to the laboratory. COVID-19 frontline health workers from 26 hospitals were trained on case management, Infection prevention and Control practices. During the training period, six Public Health Emergency Committee meetings were held leading to improvement in coordination and reporting of prevailing COVID-19 epidemiological situation.
Similarly, the WHO supported the Upper East Regional Health Directorate to strengthen COVID-19 response activities within the region. An Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated to coordinate all response activities and perform daily situational analysis of activities conducted. Within the period of support, twenty EOC meetings were held with provision of feedback on situational analysis to the districts. Sixty rapid response team members were oriented on COVID-19 protocols and various guidelines. The case management team was also oriented on the new WHO discharge protocol to better care for COVID-19 cases. At the time of the support the region was recording over 200 cases, currently the region has 14 active cases.
Indeed, the support of the government of China has contributed to the success story in Ghana’s fight against COVID-19. Notwithstanding, more funds are needed to engage more stakeholders in COVID-19 messaging to improve public adherence to safety protocols and reduce community transmission.
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Coronavirus – Ghana: The Government of China supports in strengthening COVID-19 Response in Ghana

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As Zimbabwe battles surging cases and deaths from COVID-19 and fears of a new variant, tropical Cyclone Eloise has devastated COVID-19 mitigation and containment measures. In past weeks the triple threat of COVID-19 cases, the arrival of the new variant and the storm which caused the people of Zimbabwe to lose their homes, their lives, their livestock and their crops resulting in temporary displacement to places such as cramped evacuation camps and crowded resettlement in what is left of their homes. 10,424 COVID-19 cases and 280 deaths that were recorded on 3 December 2020 have since tripled to 33,388 confirmed cases, and 1,217 deaths as of 1st February 2020.  The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is calling on all actors to increase support for the people of Zimbabwe as they recover from the havoc wreaked by Cyclone Eloise whilst simultaneously trying to contain surging COVID-19 cases.

Zvidzai Maburutse, Zimbabwe Country Director at IRC, said, 
“The tropical storm, the spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths as well as the potential arrival of a new COVID-19 variant is endangering the lives of Zimbabwe’s population. COVID-19 cases and deaths have tripled from 3rd December to 25th January from 10,424 to 31,646 cases and 280 deaths to 1,075 deaths.
Many fear that travelers brought in the South African COVID-19 variant, which is more infectious, during the December festive season. Information on social media of funeral parlors upscaling services and failing to meet demand have also led to anxiety about the extent of the pandemic, which has claimed the lives of high-ranking government officials.”
“Due to recent flooding and mudslides, many people were temporarily displaced from their homes, losing their livelihoods, crops and livestock. Upon returning to their homes, many have been forced to share the few cramped spaces left undamaged within their homes. The storm has also destroyed irrigation schemes, granaries, kraals and chicken runs for many households who depended on them for their livelihoods. What is especially concerning is that the cyclone has reduced access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, services that are crucial in the fight against COVID-19. The storm has also made it difficult for those affected to stay in line with preventative measures because water and sanitation infrastructure has been damaged and belongings, including masks, have been destroyed in the storm.  People in evacuation centers are at risk of COVID-19 due to lack of hygiene support. Many of those affected need soap, detergents, blankets, buckets, water treatment chemicals and mosquito nets. IRC’s  teams are on the ground to provide support but it is still raining. We have reached out to families affected by Cyclone Eloise with emergency items and cash. With more funding, IRC can scale up support to those most affected.”
The IRC began working in Zimbabwe in 2008 to respond to the devastating cholera outbreak and has since significantly scaled up our programming to work with local communities to improve sanitation, access to clean water, safe delivery for pregnant women, and livelihood opportunities and improved agriculture for farmers.
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Devastation following Cyclone Eloise may cause disruptions to containment of soaring COVID-19 cases in Zimbabwe, warns International Rescue Committee (IRC)

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As of 1st February 2021, 825 new cases (out of 5,600 tests) and 1,394 recoveries. On a sad note, we recorded 17 new deaths [MTSRIP].
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Coronavirus – Zambia: COVID-19 update (1 February 2021)

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83 people have tested positive to the disease, out of a sample size of 1,732 tested in the last 24 hours. The total confirmed positive cases are now 100,856. The cumulative tests conducted are 1,188,683. 61 are Kenyans while 22 are foreigners. 46 are males &#038; 37 are females.

County distribution; Nairobi 61, Uasin Gishu 6, Busia 4, Mombasa 4, Kiambu 2, Kilifi 2, Elgeyo Marakwet 1, Kericho 1, Machakos 1 and Migori 1.

29 patients have recovered from the disease. 16 from the Home-Based Isolation and Care while 13 are from various health facilities. Total recoveries now stand at 83,936. 3 patients have succumbed to the disease pushing our cumulative fatalities to 1,766.

464 patients are admitted in various health facilities countrywide, while 1,407 are on Home Based Isolation and Care. 23 patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 12 of whom are on ventilatory support and 11 on supplemental oxygen.

16 patients are separately on supplementary oxygen with 13 of them in the general wards and 3 in the High Dependency Unit (HDU).
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Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (1 February 2021)

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Health Minister Lizzie Nkosi announces nine new COVID-19 deaths in Eswatini, taking total deaths to 574. &#8220;May their souls rest in peace.&#8221;

New cases: 93 Total cases: 15,804 Active cases: 4,487 New recoveries: 172 Total recoveries: 10,650 New deaths: 9 Total deaths: 574
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Coronavirus – Eswatini: COVID-19 update (1 February 2021)

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Nearly 30 years of conflict and instability have heavily marked Somalia’s recent history. Some gains are being made, but the country still faces many challenges ahead.

Somalia’s health indicators, especially for women and children rank among the lowest in the world.
Recently published statistics show that maternal mortality and deaths of children under five remain high, while female genital mutilation is still widespread. Prevalence of early marriage also contributes to high fertility rates. These issues are further exacerbated by cramped conditions in the country’s over 2 000 sites for internally displaced persons.
An innovative partnership between WHO, Sweden and Somalia’s Ministry for Health was launched to address these and other persistent health problems. The partnership, which is borne out of a policy dialogue and a high-level mission by Sweden to Somalia in 2020, aims to create an independent Somali Public Health authority and to modernize the country’s health information management system.
This collaboration between Sweden and WHO in Somalia was inspired by WHO’s 2019-2013 General Programme of Work to deliver impact at the country level.
Improving health outcomes in Somalia
Sweden’s funding initiatives and active collaboration in the country, supported by WHO, are focused on promoting equitable access to health care and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Sweden is working closely with WHO to support the establishment of an independent Somali public health authority: The National Institute of Health. This includes technical support from The Public Health Agency of Sweden.
“We strive to contribute to making the National Health Institute a centre of excellence. It is one of the priorities of WHO,” said Kyle DeFreitas, External Relations and Resource Mobilization Officer at WHO Somalia.
“We will help build the capacities of the institute, which will enable Somalia to deal more effectively with public health issues into the future, including potential disease outbreaks and pandemics,” he added.
Dr Abdifatah Diriye Ahmed, Executive Director of the National Health Institute, said the newly formed institution will be one of the most important and crucial steps towards establishing a strong health system in addition to the areas of equitable access and reproductive health and rights in Somalia. During the past three decades, the health system has been fragmented and has faced many challenges.
“With the goal of becoming the leading evidence-based centre of knowledge excellence and dissemination in research, the National Institute of Health will be the epicentre of efforts to shape Somalia’s new health care system and the future of healthy Somalis,” he said.
Sweden’s second project with WHO and the Somali Ministry of Health is a collaboration with SPIDER Centre, an institute based at Stockholm University. The initiative aims to help authorities digitalize the country’s health information management system starting in three pilot locations in Puntland, Galmudug, and Banaadir.
WHO and the National Institute of Health will also work with the SPIDER Centre to help build a state-of-the-art integrated disease surveillance and response system.
A unique partnership
“Sweden as a donor doesn’t just give financial support to WHO to carry out a project or a programme. We work together. We network together. We strive towards common goals in the health sector in Somalia. We make resources available and we use them to push things together in the right direction,” says Daniel Magnusson, Senior Programme Manager at the Somalia Section at the Swedish Embassy in Nairobi.
A critical feature of the partnership focuses on the exchange of expertise which will happen through the secondment of personnel. An experienced senior professional will join WHO Somalia to, among other duties, focus on supporting the National Institute of Health and collaboration with SPIDER Centre. Another expert consultant will join at a later stage.
After the first stage, the team will assess their progress and make any necessary adjustments.
A cohesive UN system
“Sweden believes in a UN system that works together. Our view of health sector development in countries like Somalia is that there needs to be strong collaboration and coordination between the different multilateral agencies like WHO and bilateral actors like Sweden, combined with a strong engagement with the government at different levels,” explained Daniel.
Building a stronger primary health care system is crucial in creating a brighter future for the people of Somalia and is therefore part of WHO’s main focus.
“A strong primary health care system can ensure equitable access to health care and rights to health including reproductive and sexual health for women and other marginalized groups. “It is an investment for managing health security threats at the local level before they become a national threat or an epidemic,” says Dr Mamunur Malik, WHO Representative in Somalia.
Despite the long road ahead, the collaboration between Sweden, WHO and the Somali Ministry of Health is one significant step towards ensuring that no one in Somalia will be left behind in the journey towards health for all.
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An innovative and unique partnership: WHO, Sweden and Somalia work together to improve health outcomes for all Somalis

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The Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the United Nations system in Nigeria, has announced plans to organize series of dialogues across the country towards ensuring resilient, inclusive and sustainable food systems in Nigeria by 2030. This was preparatory to the September 2021 UN Food Systems Summit (FSS) convened by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The National Convenor of Nigeria Food Systems Summit Dialogue (FSSD), and Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Olusola Idowu, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday 1 February 2021, during a multi-sectoral, inter-Agency planning meeting for the dialogue.
According to her, the food systems dialogues, the first of which holds on 23 February, are based on five action tracks which align with the current developmental priorities of Nigeria, and therefore, immensely contributory to an improved food systems in the country.
“The five action tracks”, Mrs. Idowu explained, “include to ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all; Shift to sustainable Consumption Pattern; Boost nation Position Production; Advance equitable live hood; and build resilience to vulnerabilities shocks and stress.”
The National Convenor emphasized that the Nigeria FSSD would be organized at three levels: The Inception National Dialogue, aimed at identifying food systems challenges from multiple perspectives; the Exploratory Dialogues, planned to hold in the six geo-political zones and major cities in Nigeria to harness promising approaches from diverse stakeholders that contribute to food systems in the country; and the Consolidatory Dialogues, aimed to exchange views on the pathway towards sustainable national food system, identify intentions and commitments of different food system actors.
Providing some insights, Mrs. Idowu explained that in Nigeria, the Food Systems Dialogue would create more inclusive, healthier food systems, and encourage a collaborative approach towards building a sustainable food systems and enhance the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon, observed that the COVID-19 pandemic had worsened the Nigeria food systems and the food systems dialogues would provide a critical opportunity to tackle the weaknesses that were exposed by the crisis.
“We must mobilise human and material resources across the country, and come together to dialogue on how to build back better, the ailing food systems.” He emphasized, “We are all members of the global food system, and we all have a responsibility to act.”
Mr Kallon informed that the UN Secretary-General’s Food Systems Summit was designed to galvanise new actions to deliver progress on all 17 SDGs, each of which relies to some degree on healthier, more sustainable and equitable food systems. “It will also enhance food security and sustainability of eco-based Agriculture and food systems around the world.” He added.
In November 2020, the Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Food Systems Summit, Amina J. Mohammed, had invited all Member States to engage in the preparation of the Summit through encouraging action-oriented Dialogues, discussing ways to achieve sustainable food systems by 2030.
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Federal Government, UN Convene National Dialogues on Food Systems

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676 new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria;

Lagos-227 Rivers-73 Niger-69 Plateau-56 FCT-50 Kano-44 Oyo-43 Ogun-27 Gombe-18 Ondo-15 Enugu-10 Osun-10 Cross River-8 Edo-8 Nasarawa-7 Bauchi-4 Kaduna-3 Ekiti-2 Zamfara-2

131,918 confirmed 106,275 discharged 1,607 deaths
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Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 update (1 February 2021)

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New cases: 402 Total active cases: 14,498 Total currently admitted: 230 (29 new) Total number of tests conducted: 145,679 (1,496 new) Total confirmed cases: 24,365* Total recovered: 8,945 (330 new) New discharges from treatment units: 23 Total deaths: 712 (10 new)

*Out of these, 134 lost to follow-up and 76 outcome under investigation.
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Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 update (1 February 2021)

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Recent intercommunal violence and deadly attacks in Darfur have prompted two independent UN human rights experts on Monday to urge the Government of Sudan to urgently implement strong measures to ensure the safety of civilians, including the internally displaced.

“We urge the Government of Sudan to step up its efforts to protect civilians, including those internally displaced, prevent further displacements and advance solutions to internal displacement by promptly and fully implementing its National Plan for the Protection of Civilians,” said Cecilia Jimenez-Damary, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, and Agnes Callamard, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.
On 18 January, clashes between the Rezigat and Falata communities in El Gereida locality, in South Darfur, reportedly left 72 people dead, more than 70 injured and about 100 families displaced.
And intercommunal violence on 16 and 17 January led to clashes between Arab nomads and the non-Arab ethnic Masalit in West Darfur, which reportedly affected the Krinding and Abu Zar camps for internally displaced persons. Some 163 people were reported killed, 217 injured and 50,000 people displaced.
Moreover, civilian property was damaged and looted.
The UN experts upheld that a thorough investigation be conducted and the perpetrators be brought to justice.
Darfur concerns
While welcoming the establishment of a committee to investigate the recent West Darfur attacks, the UN experts encouraged the Government to also investigate the violence in South Darfur.
“Justice, accountability and reparation to victims are essential to address insecurity, prevent further violence and displacement, and support durable solutions for internally displaced persons”, they said.
The experts also expressed grave concern for the internally displaced persons in the Darfur region, particularly the long-term displaced.
“Many have been living in protracted displacement in dire conditions, and the challenges they face to achieve durable solutions, in particular due to insecurity and land disputes, are disturbing”, the Special Rapporteurs spelled out.
The independent experts are currently in contact with the authorities.
Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not paid for their work.

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UN independent experts call for ‘justice, accountability and reparation to victims’ in Sudan

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Active cases: 202 New cases: 49 New tests: 1,040 Total confirmed: 4,139 Recovered: 3,803 (+11) Deaths: 131 (+3)
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Coronavirus – Gambia: COVID-19 update (1 February 2021)

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Daily: Laboratory test: 6,216 Severe cases: 230 New recovered: 106 New deaths: 10 New cases: 734

Total: Laboratory test: 1,968,768 Active cases: 13,311 Total recovered: 122,968 Total deaths: 2,103 Total cases: 138,384
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Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 update (1 February 2021)

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Total cases: 15,459 (+155) Recovered: 10,272 (+185) Active cases: 4,989 In critical condition: 18 Tests: 890,156 (+3,888) Test positivity rate: 4% Recovery rate: 66.4% Deaths: 198 (+2)
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Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (1 February 2021)

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Africa Union Member States (55) reporting COVID-19 cases (3,570,655), deaths (91,057) and recoveries (3,055,198) by region:

Central (88,576 cases; 1,619 deaths; 74,609 recoveries): Burundi (1,632; 2; 1,155), Cameroon (30,313; 474; 28,606), CAR (4,989; 63; 4,908), Chad (3,376; 118; 2,464), Congo (7,887; 118; 5,860), DRC (22,841; 673; 15,033), Equatorial Guinea (5,534; 86; 5,300), Gabon (10,748; 68; 10,260), Sao Tome and Principe (1,256; 17; 1,023)

Eastern (361,614; 6,859; 288,893): Comoros (2,726; 93; 1,731), Djibouti (5,932; 63; 5,845), Eritrea (2,135; 7; 1,594), Ethiopia (137,650; 2,093; 122,862), Kenya (100,856; 1,766; 83,936), Madagascar (19,065; 281; 18,215), Mauritius (569; 10; 528), Rwanda (15,304; 196; 10,087), Seychelles (1,205; 4; 1,015), Somalia (4, 784; 130; 3,700), South Sudan (3,929; 64; 3,613), Sudan (27,371; 1,807; 21,410), Tanzania** (509; 21; 178), Uganda (39,579; 324; 14,179)

Northern (1,089,317; 29.576; 924,801): Algeria (107,247; 2,893; 73,344), Egypt (165,951; 9,316; 129,636), Libya (119,402; 1,883; 99,586), Mauritania (16,635; 449; 15,596), Morocco (471,157; 8,275; 449,160), Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (40; 6; 33), Tunisia (208,885; 6,754; 157,446)

Southern (1,704,452; 48,919; 1,488,269): Angola (19,796; 466; 18,035), Botswana (21,293; 34; 17,198), Eswatini (15,711; 565; 10,478), Lesotho (8,900; 172; 2,552), Malawi (23,963; 702; 8,615), Mozambique (38,654; 367; 23,955), Namibia (33,944; 352; 32,378), South Africa (1,453, 761; 44,164; 1,299,620); Zambia (55,042; 780; 49,394), Zimbabwe (33,388; 1,217; 26,044)

Western (326,696; 4,084; 278,626): Benin (3,893; 52; 3,421), Burkina Faso (10,682; 120; 9,253), Cabo Verde (14,070; 134; 13,144), Cöte d&#39;Ivoire (28,399; 154; 26,007), Gambia (4,090; 128; 3,792), Ghana (67,010; 416; 61,236), Guinea (14,546; 82; 14,208), Guinea Bissau (2,623; 45; 2,421), Liberia (1,939; 84; 1,760), Mali (8,091; 330; 5,945), Niger (4,517; 159; 3,755), Nigeria (131,242; 1,586; 104,989), Senegal (26,927; 638; 22,145), Sierra Leone (3,593; 79; 2,282), Togo (5,074; 77; 4,268).
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Coronavirus: African Union Member States reporting COVID-19 cases as of 1 February 2021, 6 pm EAT

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Ratings agency S&#038;P Global has affirmed its “AAA/A-1+” foreign currency issuer credit rating of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) with a stable outlook.

The ratings agency said its outlook reflected the expectation that the African Development Bank (AfDB) would, over the next two years, “prudently manage its capital while maintaining solid levels of high-quality liquidity assets and a robust funding profile. We also assume extraordinary shareholder support to the bank will remain unchanged.”

In a letter, dated 29 January 2021, S&#038;P Global Ratings noted the Bank’s $115 billion capital increase, approved by its shareholders in October 2019.

S&#038;P said: “Our ratings on AfDB reflect its important role in Africa, marked by a long track record of fulfilling its policy mandate through economic cycles, combined with robust shareholder support. In October 2019, the bank’s shareholders approved its seventh general capital increase (GCI-VII), effectively increasing the bank’s capital base by $115 billion &#8230; to $208 billion.”

The ratings agency added: “We expect the capital increase will enable AfDB to continue expanding its reach, particularly in light of the renewed focus on infrastructure financing and private-sector lending. The bank has already been growing steadily over the years. The bank is in a good position to support increasing mobilization efforts and crowd-in additional private-sector funds.”

African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said: “The AAA rating by S&#038;P Global Ratings affirms our prudent financial and risk management at the African Development Bank, and our strong governance systems. We have been able to maintain our high standards despite the tremendous challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful for the steadfast and extraordinary support of our shareholders. The Bank remains committed to providing African countries with needed financing support to recover from the health crisis and to strongly grow back their economies, while managing our risk and capital requirements.”
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Media Contact: Amba Mpoke-Bigg Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank Email: a.mpoke-bigg@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 44 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

S&P Global affirms African Development Bank’s AAA rating with stable outlook

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New cases: 477 Total active cases: 14436 Lost to follow-up: 134 Total number of tests conducted: 144185 (1571 new) Total confirmed cases: 23,963 Total recovered: 8615 (297 new) Outcome under investigation: 76 Total deaths: 702 (15 new)
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Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 update (31 January 2021)

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Results of COVID-19 tests done on 31 January 2021 confirm 27 new cases. The cumulative confirmed cases are now 39,606.

One COVID-19 death. The total COVID-19 deaths are 325.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health &#8211; Republic of Uganda.

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Coronavirus – Ghana: The Government of China supports in strengthening COVID-19 Response in Ghana

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Coronavirus – Ghana: The Government of China supports in strengthening COVID-19 Response in Ghana

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