We have put measures in place to ensure that the equipment are properly distributed, and put to use for the people.

The virus is spreading.

Science has forecasted, many more countries will join this list if we did not take the right measures now, and if we did not start adaptation specially in Africa.

No matter how effective the developed world's approach to the COVID-19 pandemic might be in terms of protecting public health, it simply will not work in Africa without social protection. Almost 85% of African workers - be they small farmers, street-food vendors, waste collectors, transport operators, or nomadic merchants - operate in the informal sector. Also, many survive day to day so they will be torn between staying safe and surviving. Restricting their movement means they will not be able to put food on their families' tables. The most effective way we can come to their aid is via cash transfers.

It's a very contagious virus. It's incredible. But it's something we have tremendous control of. I think very important the young people, people of good health and groups of people just are not strongly affected.

It is a scourge and in Africa, it is putting the productive and reproductive edge at risk.

The spread of resistant strains to other parts of the world, including Nigeria, has now become a major public health challenge.

Why are we acting surprised? Why are we locking away Africa when this virus is already on three continents? Nobody is locking away Belgium and Israel. Why are we locking away Africa? It is wrong and it is time our African leaders stand up and find their voice.

I spoke with the extension workers, and they confirmed the situation. I also checked with the Minister of Agriculture, who said he was aware of it. Many regions of the country are affected.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a significant threat to global health security. In the first week of 2023 alone, nearly 3 million cases and over 11,000 deaths were reported worldwide. During this period, the African region recorded over 4,500 cases and eight deaths. The current surge in COVID-19 cases is attributed to a sub-variant of the Omicron virus known as XBB. As you may recall, COVID-19 continuously evolves, creating new variants as it spreads globally. Similar to Omicron, XBB is highly transmissible; in Zambia, we have confirmed that this variant is driving the recent rise in cases.

We need research here in Africa that will inform policies and test-and-treat strategies, so that as clinicians we can give the best options to people with COVID19.

Anti-French sentiment, increasingly visible in Africa, is a sign of the times.

Our national forces have shown that, while you (People's Liberation Army) may have this power, we have countermeasures.

They are dying. That's true. And you -- it is what it is. But that doesn't mean we aren't doing everything we can. It's under control as much as you can control it. This is a horrible plague that beset us.