WHO praises Biya for Covid-19 fight despite government shortcomings

World Health Organization, WHO Europe Regional Director Dr. Hans Henri has asked other countries to emulate Cameroon’s action against the coronavirus.

“At the time when the Westerners sent back the infected people to self-confine themselves in their apartments etc …” he said, adding that “in Africa in general and in Cameroon in particular, the State opted to detect and isolate the patients.”

Cameroon, he said “did not wait for self-healing as in Europe, but had opted for several types of treatment. It is incorrect to believe that the low rate of contamination or death from Covid-19 in this country is a miracle. The public and medical authorities have opted for a better protocol than in the West, let’s face it. Let’s just copy in all humility.”

The recent remark ironically comes at a time when even top state officials are often seen blatantly disrespecting the said measures put in place by the state.
It also comes after President Biya’s regime is accused of failing to heed to its own call for unity.

“Most of you have understood that it is necessary to put aside political squabbles and adopt a common front in the face of the insidious danger posed by COVID-19. Some political leaders who do not belong to the ruling majority shared this view. I thank them for that,” said President Biya on May 19.

His government has however since cracked down on opposition endeavors too assist in combatting the pandemic including then Cameroon Renaissance Movement’s SCSI plan to bring succor to victims of the pandemic.

Many also often faulted government for inconsistency in the figures of people affected by the pandemic, as well as turning a blind eye to the commercialisaition of Covid-19 results in public health facilities.

Mimi Mefo Info