African countries will begin rapid mass testing for COVID-19 in a bid to stem rising cases, even as thirty one countries on the continent battle a third wave of infections.
That’s according to the Director for the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr John Nkengasong.
He says without adequate vaccines, rapid testing will help reduce community spread of the deadly virus.
Nkengasong spoke during the opening session of a two day seminar on the role of Community Health Workers in strengthening Africa’s healthcare systems.
With just 1.5% of Africa’s one billion people vaccinated, Dr Nkengasong says reintroducing mass testing may save the continent more infections, even as most countries begin to receive vaccine donations.
That and the roll out of vaccines he says will need the involvement of community health workers, a section of medical workers desperately needing filling in Africa’s healthcare workforce shortage.
Former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says the ambitious target of employing two million community health workers will need Africa and the international community to put in the money.
VIDEO: Africa CDC gives an update on the coronavirus pandemic on the continent:
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