- 18.11.2024, Monday
- 02:49
A logo is pictured outside a building of the World Health Organization (WHO) during an executive board meeting on update on the coronavirus outbreak, in Geneva, Switzerland, February 6, 2020. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
Despite President Magufuli’s refusal, WHO insists public health measures to fight virus are a must
The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on Tanzanian authorities to release COVID-19 data and implement public health measures to break the chain of transmission of the deadly virus.
A statement by WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus late Saturday said Tanzania has not yet released information on measures it is taking to respond to the pandemic.
“The situation remains very concerning. I renew my call for Tanzania to start reporting Covid-19 cases and share data,” the statement said.
The East African country, which last released data on COVID-19 cases and deaths back in May 2020, when President John Magufuli questioned the efficacy of imported testing kits, has shunned conventional medicines and has been touting the use of herbal concoctions to fight the virus.
Magufuli, who has also shunned mask-wearing and social distancing, has been under fire for promoting wild conspiracy theories that contradict the global scientific consensus on the best approach to curb the disease.
The WHO head urged Tanzanian authorities to implement public health measures to quell the spread of the disease.
The statement said some Tanzanians travelling to neighboring countries have tested positive for COVID-19, urging authorities to protect the people and save lives.
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