UN Urges Africa to Intensify Preparations to Contain COVID-19 Spread

Addis ababa, April 16/2020( ENA) United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has urged Africa to step up efforts to prepare the continent for the expected spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Secretary-General warned that the continent “could end up suffering the greatest impacts.”

Reportedly, the U.N. Chief told a video conference with African ambassadors to the United Nations in New York on Wednesday that COVID-19 “is in no way of Africa's making.” But like the climate crisis, he said, Africa could hurt most.

Guterres said during the occasion that the UN and African countries are working together in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

He commended early efforts by governments to suppress transmission, control the spread of COVID-19 epidemic and get ready their economy for the anticipated impact.

The virus has infected more than 2 million patients globally and has claimed over 128,000 lives, according to figures compiled by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University. Around 501,200 have recovered.