Covid-19 cases climb to more than 275 000 and 7 400 deaths

FIFTY-FOUR African Union member states reported 275327 confirmed cases of Covid-19, 7 395 deaths, and 125 316 recoveries yesterday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said in a statement. As Africa prepares itself for a peak in coronavirus cases, AU chairman and South African president Cyril Ramaphosa launched the Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP), a single online marketplace for the supply of critical Covid-19-related medical equipment, the Presidency said in a statement on Friday.

The AMSP seeks to unlock access to an African and global base of vetted manufacturers and procurement partners.

It will enable AU member states to buy medical equipment, diagnostic kits, personal protective equipment and clinical devices, with increased cost-effectiveness and transparency.

The Presidency said “the platform would serve as a unique interface, enabling volume aggregation, quota management, payment facilitation, logistics and transportation to ensure equitable and efficient access to critical supplies for African governments”.

It was developed under the leadership of AU special envoy Strive Masiyiwa and powered by Janngo on behalf of the Africa CDC and in partnership with African Export-import Bank, the UN Economic Commission for Africa and other leading African and international corporations, institutions and foundations.