South African health ministers strategize on novel coronavirus mitigation

Health ministers from the Southern African Development Community have called on member states to put in place national preparedness and response plans, as well as contingency and emergency funds, to address gaps in novel coronavirus prevention, impact mitigation and other interventions.

The ministers who met in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, on Monday urged member states to institute peer review mechanisms to validate self-assessment reports on coronavirus readiness.

They also requested international partners, through the World Health Organization and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to support member states in the development and implementation of country plans, as well as in resource mobilization for health-related infrastructure development.

Those at the meeting agreed that member states will establish coherent mechanisms of sharing information on transboundary public health concerns, and that the technical committee for coordinating and monitoring implementation of the SADC Protocol on Health, comprising of directors of public health and directors of medical services, be reestablished, and its terms of reference be expanded.

The revived technical committee will work in partnership with disaster management and other relevant organizations at national and regional levels, as well as other sectors in government, including Africa Centers for Disease Control, development partners, the private sector and civil society in line with the expanded terms of reference.

Due to ongoing novel coronavirus concerns, those meeting recommended a temporary suspension of Southern African Development Community regional face-to-face meetings and encouraged utilization of modern technologies, such as video conferences, webinars and Skype, until the situation is contained.

The ministers urged member states to encourage preventive measures, such as handwashing and sanitization of surfaces in workplaces and domestic settings.

They commended China, the WHO and Africa Centers for Disease Control for efforts being made towards addressing the outbreak, and pledged the Southern African Development Community's continued solidarity towards China and other countries affected by the virus.

Ummy Mwalimu, the Tanzanian minister for Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, said there is need to be ready and respond collectively in ensuring that the virus is contained if it enters any of the member states.

"This is a new virus for which we currently have no immunity and for which there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine. This means the virus has the potential to spread extensively in our region," Mwalimu said.

He urged public health authorities in the region to intensify collaboration with airline operators for identification and case management on board aircraft, should it occur.

"We have an obligation to ensure that a multisectoral approach in healthcare is promoted in the SADC region, and that we engage in concerted efforts, which are scientifically and ethically appropriate and in accordance with international health regulations," Mwalimu said.

Wang Ke, the Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, said that since the outbreak of the disease, China has taken the prevention of the overseas spread of coronavirus as its important task.

"We have cancelled all outbound tourist groups, strictly screened passengers at all exit ports across the country, and required all Chinese citizens going abroad to observe and follow epidemic control measures and quarantine themselves for two weeks upon their arrival at destination countries," Wang said.

Wang said adoption of a strong sense of responsibility, rational attitude and scientific methods, as well as taking the initiative to formulate effective work plans, can prevent the spread of the virus.

He said work plans should include vigorous popularizing of how to protect oneself against the disease, focusing on intensifying border screening and improving detection capability, and quickly identifying and tracking infected cases, as well as close contacts.

Wang said China is willing to share its information and experience in fighting against the epidemic with African countries, as well as provide support to the continent in preventing and containing the outbreak.