This archive report was first published on 22 August 2020.
On August 23, 2020, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (AfricaCDC) cautioned the continent against 'prevention fatigue' as COVID-19 cases showed a slight decrease.
According to Dr. John Nkengasong, Director of AfricaCDC, the continent has seen a slight decrease in infection rates, giving 'some signs of hope that we are beginning to bend the curve slowly.'
However, Dr. Nkengasong emphasized the need to maintain and increase the use of masks, social distancing, and ramp up testing, even as countries begin to ease lockdown measures.
He warned, 'We do not want the population to show prevention fatigue', adding that 'We are dealing with a delicate virus that can easily flare up again very quickly, as has been witnessed in other parts of the world.'
Over the past week, Africa reported an average of 10,344 new cases per day, compared to 11,494 the week before and 14,447 the previous week.
AfricaCDC is working towards 'trusted testing' for COVID-19 to protect travel and borders, with the aim of mutual recognition of certified COVID-19 testing among all member states.
As part of this effort, the Partnership for Increased COVID-19 Testing (PACT) will be used to enhance surveillance in different economic sectors.
With a new target of 20 million tests set for the period from now till the beginning of November, Africa aims to capitalize on the gains recorded so far.
