Covid-19: African Countries to Begin Rapid Mass Testing

The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says countries in the continent will commence rapid mass testing for Covid-19 in a bid to stem rising cases.

The move comes as thirty-one African countries battle a third wave of infections.

Director for the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr John Nkengasong 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.

The move and the rollout 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.

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