Tanzania's president admits country has COVID-19 problem
3 years, 10 months ago

Tanzania's president admits country has COVID-19 problem

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Populist President John Magufuli on Sunday urged citizens of the East African country to take precautions and even wear face masks — but only locally made ones. Tanzania’s official number of coronavirus infections remains at just 509, but residents report that many people have become ill with breathing difficulties and hospitals have seen a rise in patients for “pneumonia.” The director-general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has added his voice to growing calls for Tanzania to acknowledge COVID-19 for the good of its citizens, neighboring countries, and the world, especially after a number of countries reported that visitors arriving from Tanzania tested positive for the virus. Tedros in a statement on Saturday called Tanzania’s situation “very concerning” and urged Magufuli's government to take “robust action.” Others recently expressing concern include the United States and the local Catholic church.

President Email Tanzania Magufuli  president  email  country  tanzanias  verifyerrors  urged  problem  number  days  covid19  sign  admits

History of this topic

Extreme weather. A lack of lifesaving vaccines. Africa's cholera crisis is worse than ever
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Extreme weather. A lack of lifesaving vaccines. Africa's cholera crisis is worse than ever

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In southern and East Africa, …

As COVID-19 becomes routine, Africa readies for next crisis
2 years, 1 month ago

As COVID-19 becomes routine, Africa readies for next crisis

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Building on the experience of …

South Africa ends COVID restrictions as fifth wave fades
2 years, 6 months ago

South Africa ends COVID restrictions as fifth wave fades

Al Jazeera  

The country has recorded the most coronavirus cases and deaths in Africa, with more than 3.9 million confirmed infections and 101,000 deaths South Africa has repealed COVID-19 rules that made masks mandatory in indoor public spaces, limited the size of gatherings and imposed entry requirements at its borders, the health minister said on Thursday. But health minister Joe Phaahla said …

Up to 65% of Africans have had COVID, far more than thought
2 years, 9 months ago

Up to 65% of Africans have had COVID, far more than thought

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — The World Health Organization said that up to 65% of people in Africa have been infected with the coronavirus and estimates the number of actual cases may have been nearly 100 times more than those reported. In a new analysis released Thursday, the U.N. health agency reviewed 151 studies of COVID-19 in Africa based on blood samples taken …

Kenya announces suspension of its Coronavirus containment measures
2 years, 9 months ago

Kenya announces suspension of its Coronavirus containment measures

Business Standard  

Kenya's Ministry of Health has announced the suspension of public health measures aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19, as infections and fatalities have dipped. Mutahi Kagwe, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Health, said the lifting of the mask mandate and a ban on public gatherings was due to a sustained drop in new infections, hospitalisations and deaths arising …

Africa CDC director urges youths to boost COVID vaccinations
2 years, 11 months ago

Africa CDC director urges youths to boost COVID vaccinations

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — Africa’s top health official is launching a campaign to enlist young people to encourage vaccinations, as just 11.3% of the continent’s 1.3 billion people are vaccinated against COVID-19. Youths will be encouraged “to play an active role” in ramping up inoculations across the continent where the vaccination rate is far below other regions in the world, Africa …

Bolivia VP, 6 cabinet ministers infected with coronavirus
2 years, 11 months ago

Bolivia VP, 6 cabinet ministers infected with coronavirus

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Bolivia's vice president and six …

Africa CDC: Nations might turn to COVID-19 vaccine mandates
3 years ago

Africa CDC: Nations might turn to COVID-19 vaccine mandates

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — African governments might have to resort to COVID-19 vaccine mandates if their citizens don’t hurry to get the increasingly available doses, the director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. The warning by John Nkengasong to reporters that governments “will not have a choice” came as the flow of doses to Africa’s 54 …

South African president calls for lifting of Omicron travel bans
3 years, 1 month ago

South African president calls for lifting of Omicron travel bans

Al Jazeera  

Cyril Ramaphosa says travel restrictions ‘scientifically unjustified’ as more countries report cases of new, highly mutated variant. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on countries to “urgently” reverse “scientifically unjustified” travel restrictions linked to the discovery of a new variant of the coronavirus. “These restrictions are unjustified and unfairly discriminate against our country and our southern African sister countries.” …

Scientists are mystified, and wary, as Africa avoids COVID-19 disaster
3 years, 1 month ago

Scientists are mystified, and wary, as Africa avoids COVID-19 disaster

LA Times  

At a busy market in a poor township outside Harare, Nyasha Ndou kept his mask in his pocket as hundreds of other people, mostly unmasked, jostled to buy and sell fruits and vegetables displayed on wooden tables and plastic sheets. “The police demand bribes, so I lose money if I don’t move around with a mask.” Days earlier, Zimbabwe recorded …

Zimbabwe’s vaccine mandates squeeze some of world’s poorest
3 years, 3 months ago

Zimbabwe’s vaccine mandates squeeze some of world’s poorest

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “The Zimbabwe government should first focus on making sure …

African leaders highlight vaccine inequity in UNGA speeches
3 years, 3 months ago

African leaders highlight vaccine inequity in UNGA speeches

Al Jazeera  

The inequity of COVID-19 vaccine distribution came into sharper focus on Thursday as many leaders of African countries, whose populations have little to no access to the life-saving shots, stepped to the podium to speak at the United Nations General Assembly. “It is an indictment on humanity that more than 82 percent of the world’s vaccine doses have been acquired …

Living with Covid: Five countries that have decided it’s time to open up
3 years, 3 months ago

Living with Covid: Five countries that have decided it’s time to open up

CNN  

London CNN — More than 18 months into the coronavirus pandemic, a number of countries have decided it’s time to open up and adopt a “living with Covid” model. Denmark: The country that declared precautions over The Danish government lifted all remaining coronavirus restrictions in the country on September 10, saying Covid-19 was no longer “an illness which is a …

WHO: COVID-19 vaccination triples in Africa but still low
3 years, 4 months ago

WHO: COVID-19 vaccination triples in Africa but still low

Al Jazeera  

Africa CDC head says less than 3 percent of continent’s population have been vaccinated and blames vaccine inequality. COVID-19 vaccinations in Africa have tripled during the past week, though protecting even 10 percent of the continent by the end of September remains “a very daunting task,” the Africa director of the World Health Organization has said. The WHO Africa director …

Charity alone will not end the calamity of COVID-19 in Africa
3 years, 5 months ago

Charity alone will not end the calamity of COVID-19 in Africa

Al Jazeera  

In the absence of vaccines, accountability, rather than charity, may be the continent’s best route out of the pandemic. Just in the past week, in an article published in Nature, Dr Mosoka Fallah, deputy director for technical services in the National Public Health Institute of Liberia, said “mass fatalities from COVID-19 have begun in Africa” and “the wealthy world must …

In breakthrough, Tanzania kicks off COVID-19 vaccinations
3 years, 5 months ago

In breakthrough, Tanzania kicks off COVID-19 vaccinations

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — In a major breakthrough for one of the world’s last countries to embrace COVID-19 vaccines, Tanzania’s president kicked off its vaccination campaign Wednesday by publicly receiving a dose and urging others to do the same. The East African country’s government under former President John Magufuli had long worried health officials by denying the pandemic. Tanzania’s president has …

Tanzania receives 1st batch of COVID-19 vaccines
3 years, 5 months ago

Tanzania receives 1st batch of COVID-19 vaccines

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — Tanzania on Saturday received its first batch of 1 million Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines donated by the U.S. government. Tanzania had been among the few countries in Africa yet to receive vaccines or start inoculating its population, mainly because its former leader had claimed prayer had defeated COVID-19 in the country. The vaccines were received by …

As rich nations race ahead, Africa barely makes a dent with COVID vaccinations
3 years, 7 months ago

As rich nations race ahead, Africa barely makes a dent with COVID vaccinations

LA Times  

In the global race to vaccinate people against COVID-19, Africa is tragically at the back of the pack. “It is extremely concerning and at times frustrating,” said Africa CDC Director Dr. John Nkengasong, a Cameroonian virologist who is trying to ensure that some of the world’s poorest nations get a fair share of vaccines in a marketplace where they can’t …

Tanzania experts suggest overhaul of COVID-19 denial policy
3 years, 7 months ago

Tanzania experts suggest overhaul of COVID-19 denial policy

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — A special committee of health experts formed by Tanzania’s new president on Monday recommended an overhaul of the country’s approach to COVID-19, which until lately was to deny its existence. Soon after being sworn into office in March, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said Tanzania is not an island and is open to implementing globally accepted coronavirus containment …

Tanzania announces coronavirus measures to combat new variants
3 years, 8 months ago

Tanzania announces coronavirus measures to combat new variants

Al Jazeera  

The move marks a departure from the approach taken by Tanzania’s former President John Magufuli, who had downplayed the threat of COVID-19. Tanzania has announced new measures to control the spread of coronavirus in a departure from the approach taken by its late leader John Magufuli, a COVID sceptic who had downplayed the pandemic. Travellers entering Tanzania must show proof …

Tanzania’s new president says it’s ‘not proper’ to ignore COVID
3 years, 9 months ago

Tanzania’s new president says it’s ‘not proper’ to ignore COVID

Al Jazeera  

Samia Suluhu Hassan signals a shift in approach from the COVID-scepticism of her late predecessor John Magufuli. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said it is “not proper to ignore” the coronavirus pandemic, in comments suggesting a shift from her COVID-sceptic predecessor, who downplayed the disease. Hassan announced she would create an expert coronavirus task force to advise her government, …

Tanzanian doctors pin hopes on new president for COVID turnaround
3 years, 9 months ago

Tanzanian doctors pin hopes on new president for COVID turnaround

Al Jazeera  

Late President John Magufuli had long downplayed the severity of COVID-19, and now all eyes are on his successor, Samia Suluhu Hassan. Throttled by late President John Magufuli’s coronavirus denialism, Tanzanian doctors have expressed hope the arrival of a new leader will bring positive change to the country’s questionable handling of the pandemic. “The denial of COVID-19 in Tanzania was …

Tanzania’s populist President John Magufuli has died at 61
3 years, 9 months ago

Tanzania’s populist President John Magufuli has died at 61

India TV News  

President John Magufuli of Tanzania, a prominent COVID-19 skeptic in Africa whose populist rule often cast his East African country in a harsh international spotlight, has died. The president has had this illness for the past 10 years.” The vice president said that Magufuli died at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, the Indian Ocean port that is Tanzania’s largest …

Tanzania’s President John Magufuli dies at 61
3 years, 9 months ago

Tanzania’s President John Magufuli dies at 61

The Hindu  

President John Magufuli of Tanzania, a prominent COVID-19 skeptic in Africa whose populist rule often cast his East African country in a harsh international spotlight, has died. The President has had this illness for the past 10 years.” The Vice President said that Magufuli died at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, the Indian Ocean port that is Tanzania's largest …

Tanzania’s populist President John Magufuli has died at 61
3 years, 9 months ago

Tanzania’s populist President John Magufuli has died at 61

Associated Press  

NAKURU, Kenya — President John Magufuli of Tanzania, a prominent COVID-19 skeptic in Africa whose populist rule often cast his East African country in a harsh international spotlight, has died. The president has had this illness for the past 10 years.” The vice president said that Magufuli died at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, the Indian Ocean port that …

Tanzania gov’t urged to ‘explain mystery’ of Magufuli’s absence
3 years, 9 months ago

Tanzania gov’t urged to ‘explain mystery’ of Magufuli’s absence

Al Jazeera  

Main opposition party says it knows ‘for sure that the president is ill’, even as the government calls on citizens to ignore rumours. A main opposition party in Tanzania has urged the government to “fully explain the mystery surrounding” President John Magufuli’s nearly three-week absence, saying the public has the right to know about his whereabouts and who is running …

Vice President urges calm as Tanzania's leader still unseen
3 years, 9 months ago

Vice President urges calm as Tanzania's leader still unseen

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As Tanzania s president has not been seen in public …

Tanzania’s coronavirus-denying President being treated in Kenya for COVID-19, says opposition
3 years, 9 months ago

Tanzania’s coronavirus-denying President being treated in Kenya for COVID-19, says opposition

The Hindu  

Tanzania’s main opposition leader has demanded information on the health of President John Magufuli, a COVID-19 sceptic whose absence from public view in recent days brought speculation he was receiving medical treatment abroad. Mr. Magufuli, a 61-year-old leader nicknamed “The Bulldozer,” was last seen in public on February 27 looking his normal self as he swore in a new chief …

Developing nations demand equal access to coronavirus vaccines
3 years, 9 months ago

Developing nations demand equal access to coronavirus vaccines

Al Jazeera  

South Africa, India, and more than 100 other nations have called on the World Trade Organization to temporarily waive patents for COVID-19 vaccines, saying they are being prevented from immunising their people. Endorsing requests for a waiver, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said earlier this month: “If a temporary waiver to patents cannot be issued now, during these unprecedented times, …

Kenya receives receives 1 million vaccines from COVAX
3 years, 10 months ago

Kenya receives receives 1 million vaccines from COVAX

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Kenya has received just over …

Tanzania COVID U-turn ‘a good move’ – but is it good enough?
3 years, 10 months ago

Tanzania COVID U-turn ‘a good move’ – but is it good enough?

Al Jazeera  

After months of downplaying deadly disease, government officials have called on people to take precautions and wear masks. Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania – Esther Mngodo, like other Tanzanians, was relieved to hear this week government officials are finally urging people in the country to take precautions against the coronavirus – and even wear face masks. Among the deceased are a number of …

Opinion: Without a global vaccine plan, coronavirus variants could lead to untold number of deaths
3 years, 10 months ago

Opinion: Without a global vaccine plan, coronavirus variants could lead to untold number of deaths

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Dr. Edward Bergmark is the founder and retired Chief Executive Officer of Optum, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group. As this picture comes into better focus, it becomes increasingly clear that wealthier developed nations’ “me-first” mentality – one that prioritizes the vaccination of its citizens while paying scant attention to the fate of poorer countries around the globe – …

Tanzania’s President admits country has COVID-19 problem
3 years, 10 months ago

Tanzania’s President admits country has COVID-19 problem

The Hindu  

Tanzania’s President has finally acknowledged that his country has a coronavirus problem after claiming for months that the disease had been defeated by prayer. Populist President John Magufuli on Sunday urged citizens of the East African country to take precautions and even wear face masks — but only locally made ones. The President’s comments came days after the country of …

Tanzania’s president admits country has COVID-19 problem
3 years, 10 months ago

Tanzania’s president admits country has COVID-19 problem

Al Jazeera  

President John Magufuli’s comments come following WHO warning over the country’s ‘very concerning’ coronavirus situation. Speaking during a Sunday church mass in the capital Dodoma, President John Magufuli urged citizens of the East African country to take precautions and wear face masks – but only locally made ones. The president’s comments came a day after the World Health Organization’s chief …

After deaths, WHO urges Tanzania to share COVID data, take action
3 years, 10 months ago

After deaths, WHO urges Tanzania to share COVID data, take action

Al Jazeera  

Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus appeals to authorities to take measures against the pandemic and to prepare for vaccinations. The head of the World Health Organization has urged Tanzania’s authorities to take “robust action” against the coronavirus pandemic amid increasing warnings that the country is witnessing a deadly resurgence in infections. President John Magufuli has long played down the virus, repeatedly …

South Africa variant of coronavirus not found in India till now: Govt
3 years, 10 months ago

South Africa variant of coronavirus not found in India till now: Govt

India TV News  

There is no evidence of the presence of the South Africa variant of the coronavirus in India as of Monday but the government is keeping a watch on it, said NITI Aayog member Dr V K Paul on Tuesday. About the effectiveness of the Covishield vaccine on the South Africa strain, Paul said it is hinted through a study, which …

Matt Hancock ‘incredibly worried’ about South Africa Covid variant
4 years ago

Matt Hancock ‘incredibly worried’ about South Africa Covid variant

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “I’m incredibly worried about the South African variant, and that’s why we took the action …

African health official blasts ‘terrible’ vaccine inequality
4 years ago

African health official blasts ‘terrible’ vaccine inequality

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — “It will be extremely terrible to see” rich countries receiving COVID-19 vaccines while African countries go without, especially as a new surge in cases begins on the continent of 1.3 billion people, Africa’s top public health official said Thursday. Nkengasong urged the United Nations to summon a special session to discuss the ethical, fair distribution of vaccines …

‘Moral issue’: African official blasts COVID vaccine inequality
4 years ago

‘Moral issue’: African official blasts COVID vaccine inequality

Al Jazeera  

Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director warned continent might not see vaccines until after the second quarter of 2021. Africa’s top public health official has said “it will be extremely terrible to see” rich countries receiving COVID-19 vaccines while African countries go without it, especially as a new surge in cases begins on the continent of 1.3 billion …

African continent hits 2 million confirmed coronavirus cases
4 years, 1 month ago

African continent hits 2 million confirmed coronavirus cases

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — Africa has surpassed 2 million confirmed coronavirus cases as the continent’s top public health official warned Thursday that “we are inevitably edging toward a second wave” of infections. The African continent of 1.3 billion people is being warned against “prevention fatigue” as countries loosen pandemic restrictions to ease their economies’ suffering and more people travel. He expressed …

What you need to know about coronavirus on Tuesday, October 27
4 years, 2 months ago

What you need to know about coronavirus on Tuesday, October 27

CNN  

A version of this story appeared in the October 27 edition of CNN’s Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction newsletter. WHAT’S IMPORTANT TODAY With US election day just a week away, Covid-19 cases are surging In just one week, the fall surge in Covid-19 infections added nearly half a million cases to the national total. British study shows evidence of waning immunity …

As US struggles, Africa’s COVID-19 response is praised
4 years, 3 months ago

As US struggles, Africa’s COVID-19 response is praised

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — At a lecture to peers this month, John Nkengasong showed images that once dogged Africa, with a magazine cover declaring it “The Hopeless Continent.” Then he quoted Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah: “It is clear that we must find an African solution to our problems, and that this can only be found in African unity.” The coronavirus pandemic …

Protest versus Africa’s 1st COVID-19 vaccine test shows fear
4 years, 6 months ago

Protest versus Africa’s 1st COVID-19 vaccine test shows fear

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — Protesters against Africa’s first COVID-19 vaccine trial burned their face masks Wednesday as experts note a worrying level of resistance and misinformation around testing on the continent. Anti-vaccine sentiment in Africa is “the worst I’ve ever seen,” the CEO of the GAVI vaccine alliance, Seth Berkley, told an African Union vaccine conference last week. The Ethiopian director of …

Tanzania President claims country is free from coronavirus ‘by the grace of God’
4 years, 7 months ago

Tanzania President claims country is free from coronavirus ‘by the grace of God’

CNN  

CNN — Tanzanian President John Magufuli has claimed his country has eradicated coronavirus “by the grace of God,” but urged people to continue taking precautions. He attributed the positive Covid-19 outcome to citizen’s prayers, local health officials and the efforts of front line health care workers. President Magufuli celebrated churchgoers during the service for not wearing masks, claiming that was …

Covid-19 disruption could erase decade’s worth of global vaccine coverage for childhood diseases, Unicef warns
4 years, 7 months ago

Covid-19 disruption could erase decade’s worth of global vaccine coverage for childhood diseases, Unicef warns

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “What we’re trying to avoid is countries recovering from the current Covid pandemic then being …

Coronavirus | World Health Organisation says the virus may never go away
4 years, 7 months ago

Coronavirus | World Health Organisation says the virus may never go away

The Hindu  

New coronavirus clusters have surfaced around the world as nations struggle to balance reopening economies and preventing a second wave of infections, while a top global health official warned Wednesday that COVID-19 could be around for a long time. A top World Health Organization official, meanwhile, warned that it’s possible the new coronavirus may be here to stay. "This virus …

US Embassy says Covid-19 threat in Tanzania’s main city ‘extremely high’
4 years, 7 months ago

US Embassy says Covid-19 threat in Tanzania’s main city ‘extremely high’

CNN  

CNN — The US Embassy in Tanzania, claiming that many hospitals in the main city Dar es Salaam have been overwhelmed in recent weeks, contends the risk of contracting Covid-19 there is “extremely high.” Wednesday’s health alert notes that the Tanzanian government has not released any data on Covid-19 since April 29. “Despite limited official reports, all evidence points to …

Tanzania opposition angry over no coronavirus update in two weeks
4 years, 7 months ago

Tanzania opposition angry over no coronavirus update in two weeks

Al Jazeera  

Opposition leaders demand government should break silence after virus figures are not released since April 29. Tanzania’s opposition has demanded the truth about the country’s coronavirus infections two weeks after the last update, as the United States’s embassy raised alarm over “overwhelmed hospitals” in the East African nation. “The government of Tanzania shouldn’t keep its citizens in the dark,” Zitto …

African nations seek their own solutions in virus crisis
4 years, 7 months ago

African nations seek their own solutions in virus crisis

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — A loud hiss and grunt come from a green bag pressing air through a tube, as Senegalese researchers work to develop a prototype ventilator that could cost a mere $160 each instead of tens of thousands of dollars. The same is true with other medical items like PPE and gloves,” Annbesse said, referring to the personal protective …

Discover Related