*Flags of some ECOWAS member states
The President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Jean Claude Kassi Brou has disclosed that the body has ordered 240,000 diagnostic kits, 240,000 extraction kits, 250,000 viral sample transport equipment, 285,100 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and 120 ventilators, among others, for member states to help fight the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Brou, made the disclosure through a communique issued in Abuja on Tuesday that the commission would continue to monitor the pandemic in the world and particularly in West Africa. The President said as of April 5, 15-member states are affected by the pandemic with 1,739 confirmed cases of contamination, 55 deaths and 328 persons who have fully recovered. He, however, noted that approximately 95 per cent of deaths are patients with comorbid conditions.
He said in light of the spread of the pandemic, the ECOWAS Commission reaffirmed its solidarity with member states and welcomed all the measures already taken to contain the spread of the pandemic and care for the sick. The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), its specialised health institution responsible for coordinating the response at the regional level he also disclosed has drawn up a regional strategic plan with all member states.
To address the pandemic, he stated that the commission has given financial support for the purchase of medical supplies and equipment essential. He stated that WAHO had already purchased and dispatched to the 15-member states 30,500 diagnostic test kits, 10,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) (coveralls, aprons, gowns, gloves, goggles, boots) and 740,000 prescription tablets (Chloroquine and Azithromycin).
