The World Health Organisation denied allegations that the agency’s head of office in Equatorial Guinea, Dr. Triphonie Nkurunziza, falsified COVID-19 figures resulting in the central African nation expelling her.
According to the W.H.O., the central African nation’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation informed it that Dr. Nkurunziza must leave the capital, Malabo, immediately.
In a statement released to Thursday, the W.H.O. said that the decision was “regrettable” and added that there was a misunderstanding over data, a matter in which it offered to clarify.
The W.H.O. defended Dr. Nkurunziza categorically stating that she did not falsify COVID-19 figures.
“Dr. Nkurunziza is an experienced health expert, leader and manager, who led the Regional Office’s maternal health programme for many years and has served as Minister of Health in her own country. She has been leading WHO’s work in Equatorial Guinea, including support to the COVID-19 response. WHO has every confidence in her competence, commitment and integrity,” a statement from the W.H.O. read in part.
Despite the expulsion, the W.H.O. said that it would continue to support Equatorial Guinea and the people of all Member States in the COVID-19 response and other priority health issues.
“The organization is committed to improving the health of everyone and saving lives, everywhere and in all circumstances.”
As of June 4, Equatorial Guinea has recorded 1,306 confirmed cases and 200 recoveries and 12 deaths from the virus, according to the Africa CDC.
Equatorial Guinea is the second African country to expel a W.H.O. representative from its territory. Burundi did so last month.
