The Minister of Public Health briefs MPs on Covid-19 situation in Burundi
RegionWeek Newsletter Vol IV, Issue #161 | Wednesday, February 10, 2021
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Dear Readers,
This Wednesday the Minister of Public Health and the Fight against AIDS Dr. Thadee Ndikumana was at the hemicycle of the National Assembly for a briefing on the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic in Burundi.
Minister Dr. Ndikumana told MPs that to this day 3 major campaigns marked the fight against Covid-19 in Burundi, citing the first one that went from 03/31 to 07/05/2020, the second themed “ Ndakira campaign, Sinandura Kandi Sinandukiza.” that started 07/20/2020, he mentioned that this campaign resumed on 01/11/2021, and allowed to curb significantly Covid-19 positive cases by doing free mass screening across the country.
The Health Minister clarifies Burundi position on the Covid-19 Vaccine
Regarding the COVID19 vaccine, Dr. Thadee said that Burundi does not deny it, but prefer to wait till the WHO accredits it, till then Burundi prefers to maintain its strategy by using the usual treatment and preventive measures because to this day they are effective.
He emphasized the fact that the WHO has established that countries that use Covax vaccines urgently will have to compensate their populations themselves in case of side effects, hence Burundi preferred to refrain from vaccine at an early stage.
Masks are not mandatory
On the use of protective masks, the minister said they are not mandatory everywhere because not everyone can get them, but insisted that the best preventive measure is to wash hands every time. MPs pointed out that social distancing measures are not respected during social celebrations (weddings, mourning, etc.) and recommend that the Ministry in charge of Health should collaborate with the Ministry in charge of the Interior affairs to address this challenge.
Challenges on Borders
It was noted that there are was imperfections in the fight of Covid-19 especially on the border of Kobero (Muyinga Province). The Minister confirmed that all the faults have been addressed but invited the MPs to help in sensitizing the population to observe the prevention measures against Covid-19.
The MPs received the Briefing and noted with satisfaction the actions taken in the fight against Covid-19. They recommended that the emergency teams should be reinforced with regard to the volume of work at the entry points, at the sampling sites, and the management of positive cases.
IN THE HEADLINES
On the second and last day of his working visit to Burundi, Ethiopia President Sahle-Work Zewde made a guided visit within the Society of Organo-Mineral Fertilizers (FOMI), in the company of the Vice-President of BurundiProsper Bazombaza.
After the visit to the Fomi factory, President Ndayishimiye received at the Ntare Rushatsi Palace his counterpart and discussed subjects of common interest.
The Ethiopian Head of State called for the establishment of a joint commission to assess the implementation of the Framework Cooperation Agreement signed in 2014 and to formulate new perspectives.
President Ndayishimiye praised the Ethiopian leadership which has served as a leitmotif for many years in pan-African awareness. He pledged to strengthen relations of friendship and mutual support, especially in the fight against terrorism.
At the end of their face-to-face meeting, H.E Sahle-Work Zewde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia closed her working visit to Burundi.
IN THE REGION
In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign affairs, Kenya rejected claims of interference in the domestic affairs of Somalia as "false and misleading". Kenya's troop presence in Somalia "was not only motivated by the need to strengthen regional peace and security architecture but was sanctioned by both the AU Peace and Security Council and by the UN Security Council," said the statement. Kenya lauded the ongoing electioneering period in Somalia, which was a vital step in the long-term stability of Somalia and, by extension, the region, and pledged to continue playing its "rightful" role in Somalia alongside its Troop Contributing Countries’ partners. (AA)
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has warned of the global economic consequences of delayed vaccination in Africa. In an op-ed published on 7 February on the British news website The Guardian, the Rwandan leader pointed to a "nationalism" of Covid-19 vaccines on the part of the United States and Europe. According to Kagame, delaying the vaccination of the poorest countries could undermine decades of progress in human development, while investing in vaccination for all would benefit international trade in the near future. Given the current market structure, he says, African countries will need the active support of the major powers to gain access to vaccines at fair prices. Rwanda is expecting the delivery of just over a million doses - mainly of AstraZeneca's vaccine - by the end of February, under the WHO's Covax program. (AfricaNews)
The United States said on Wednesday that Tanzania, whose president has advised citizens to shun coronavirus vaccines, is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases and its healthcare facilities could be quickly overwhelmed. In a statement, the U.S. embassy in Dar es Salaam said it was “aware of a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases since January”. “The practice of COVID-19 mitigation and prevention measures remains limited ... healthcare facilities in Tanzania can become quickly overwhelmed in a healthcare crisis.” (Reuters)
Thanks for Reading!
Fabrice Iranzi, Editor in Chief
RegionWeek.com
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