EAC needs a coordinated approach in countering Covid-19 Pandemic
RegionWeek Newsletter Vol V, Issue #184 | Wednesday, August 11, 2021
This is RegionWeek Newsletter for the 5th Season (July-December 2021). The content targets Business leaders, Decision-makers, and Young professionals with interests in Burundi and East Africa. Subscribe to stay productive, and competitive in a pandemic and disrupted season.
Dear Readers,
A report published on Tuesday by the Ministry of Health and the WHO mentions that out of 5,789 tests performed as of 8-9 August, 375 cases returned positive. National cumulative: 448,826 tests, 9,175 confirmed cases, 8,642 cured, 516 still under medication, 10 deaths.
The Minister of Health Doctor Thadee Ndikumana visited on Tuesday a new Covid-19 screening center under construction at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport. The center is equipped with an information system that facilitates online appointment booking for incoming travelers, the recording of samples, the automated generation of results to travelers as well as the transmission of electronic certificates.
However, the minister noticed the center’s waiting room has a capacity of 50 people while airliners carry between 200 - 250 passengers. He recommended the extension of the new buildings.
He carried out a supervisory visit to various screening sites for Covid-19 in Bujumbura City. He was briefed on the rise of covid-19 positive cases that rose by 5% in Mukaza commune and over 1.9% in other provinces of Burundi. The main screening center located in Bujumbura, Buyenzi at Bon Accueil reports over 1000 tests done daily. The Minister announced a project to extend its capabilities to allow screening to be done quickly.
Zambia General Election
COMESA has deployed a 40-member election observer mission in Zambia for the August 12 General Elections. The observers drawn from 10 Member States were flagged off on Sunday, August 8, 2021, by the Secretary-General, Chileshe Kapwepwe at the COMESA Secretariat in Lusaka.
The Mission includes observers from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Somalia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe and staff from the COMESA Secretariat. It is led by Ambassador Ashraf Gamal Rashed of Egypt assisted by Madam Hope Kivengere of Uganda. The two are members of the COMESA Committee of Elders.
On the other hand, due to the increased risk and challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, SADC took a decision not to physically deploy the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to the Republic of Zambia. Instead, SADC adopted a virtual approach of consultations with key electoral stakeholders in the furtherance of the consolidation of democracy in the region, in accordance with the revised SAOC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).
SADC took note of all the invaluable perspectives on the elections expressed by all the key stakeholders and will continue to monitor the situation during the voting and the post-election phases, accordingly. These perspectives contribute positively to SADC's continued support to all its Member States in the enhancement of democracy.
Youth International Day
In a press briefing held this morning on the sidelines of International Youth Day, Minister Ezéchiel Nibigira said that the ceremonies of the said day will be held at the Paramedical School of Gitega on 12/08, enhanced by President Evariste Ndayishimiye. The national theme of the day this year: "Youth, the future of the country is in our hands, let's join forces to create self-development projects to promote sustainable development in our country". The Minister of Youth calls on young people to initiate profitable projects according to opportunities available in their localities.
IN THE REGION
The East African Community (EAC) Secretary-General, Hon. (Dr.) Peter Mathuki, has called for a coordinated approach among the EAC Partner States in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hon. Mathuki called for the harmonization of COVID-19 testing charges and quarantine administrative procedures across the region.
Dr. Mathuki further pushed for the strengthening of public-private sector cooperation for joint investment in the manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines.
The Secretary-General, however, noted that there was immense hope in the horizon with all Partner States having embarked on national vaccination drives, adding that more work needs to be done to increase vaccination levels in the region that currently stand at 2% vis-à-vis 70% in other parts of the world.
Dr. Mathuki urged East Africans to turn out in their numbers for the jab saying that without vaccination, people will fear visiting the region, and critical service sectors and especially tourism would continue to suffer.
Hon. (Dr.) Mathuki was speaking during the SG’s First 100 Days Forum that focused on the highlights, challenges, and achievements since he assumed office on 27th April 2021. The forum drew 267 participants including Permanent/Principal Secretaries from EAC Partner States’ Ministries of EAC Affairs, Development Partners, Members of the Diplomatic Community, Private Sector, Civil Society, Staff of EAC Organs, and Institutions, and the Media.
Thanks for reading
Fabrice Iranzi, Editor in Chief | RegionWeek.com
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