As the number of COVID-19 cases rise in Africa, more countries are calling for and inviting trained emergency medical teams (EMTs) to support their response to the pandemic in their regions. EMT’s are health professionals deployed around the world during emergencies to provide interventions, information, service, and equipment to countries in need. Burkina Faso recently welcomed the first Chinese medical mission. The team of doctors and various medical specialists brought a large quantity of protective equipment to make it easier for frontline health care workers to care for patients without risking their own health. They also visited healthcare sites with confirmed cases of COVID-19. In speaking with authorities, they insisted on the importance of differentiating treatment zones for those who are confirmed infected with COVID-19, those with symptoms, and those at risk. WHO continues to encourage international cooperation to overcome the pandemic.
NOTE: As part of WHO’s response, in mid-May, there were over 100 Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) and focal points worldwide continuously engaging in monitoring, guiding, and facilitating national and international COVID-19 response operations. A total of 19 EMTs have deployed to 15 countries across three WHO regions.