The Ethiopian government says it is has bolstered its preparedness to tackle the current coronavirus outbreak.
Africa is yet to confirm any cases, but health authorities around the continent remain on high alert as the toll continues to rise.
“This work is not confined under the ministry of health only. All sector offices as well as other bodies are on board. On one hand the Ethiopian public health institute is handling technical works on the ground. On the other hand the national task forced formed overseas general works of tacking the corona virus,” said Ebba Abate, the Director, Ethiopian Public Health Institute.
As on Thursday 30 January 2020, there were 170 reported deaths from the virus, with 8,149 confirmed cases in China and over 80 abroad. Over 130 people have however been discharged from hospitals in the Chinese mainland.
China has launched Level 1 emergency response for 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.
The Chinese government’s response has drawn praise from the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom.
“I was struck by the determination of Chinese leadership and it’s people to end the new coronavirus outbreak. They are suffering the most. Their lives and economy are bearing the brunt of the outbreak as they make sacrifices to contain it. China needs the world’s solidarity and support,” he said.
