ECOWAS Leaders hold virtual extraordinary summit on combating COVID-19

The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, largely silent since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, have found their voice and will be holding an extraordinary session in a video-conference this Thursday, April 23, 2020. The meeting is scheduled to start at 10:00am Universal Time.
A statement from the ECOWAS Secretariat said the Heads of State will be discussing the situation and impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the ECOWAS region.
The statement adds: “Preceding this Extraordinary Summit, the Ministers in Charge of Finance and the Governors of Central Banks from the Region held a virtual Extraordinary Session on April 21, 2020 on the COVID-19 situation.
“To address the COVID-19 Situation in the Region, ECOWAS had immediately made available financial support, in addition to assistance from international partners, for the purchase of medical supplies and equipment essential for the fight against the pandemic.
“As of April 20, 2020, according to the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) data, the 15 Member States have recorded 5,474 confirmed cases, 1,567 recovered, 140 deaths, and 3,767 active cases. ECOWAS reaffirms its solidarity with Member States and welcomes all the measures already taken to contain the spread of the pandemic and care for the sick.”