From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Africa slow to equip labs for coronavirus, WHO says
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleWorld Health Organization officials are reporting slower progress than expected in equipping laboratories across Africa to test for the new virus.
Officials had hoped to have about 20 countries equipped by early this week. They tell reporters that four countries — Nigeria, Ghana, Madagascar and Sierra Leone — are equipped in addition to two referral labs in South Africa and Senegal. Emergency operations manager Dr. Michel Yao says 20 more countries should be ready by the end of the week.
The WHO officials say no confirmed cases of the virus have been reported in Africa. But health security adviser Dr. Ambrose Talisuna said the risk is “very, very high.” Several countries have reported suspected cases, and some are waiting for test results.
— AP
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