The African Centre for Disease Control has hailed Cameroon as an example and a model to copy from in the fight against the COVID-19.

The Director of the African Centre for Disease Control, Professor John Nkengassong was at the Ministry of Public Health last week to exchange notes in the fight against the pandemic. The visit to Cameroon was the first stop in a series of visits to other African countries to evaluate the fight against the pandemic and promote best practices.

“I came here as the first stop for the African Centre for Disease Control and prevention’s visit to member states to really appreciate what is going on in the field and to learn from member states and I think Cameroon is the first country that I am visiting with my team to really understand how you are fighting the challenges and the progress Cameroon has made so far,” Professor Nkengassong said of his visit.

At a time Cameroon is showing its mastery in handling the pandemic with a high recovery rate recorded, other countries in Europe are witness an upsurge in infections. Thus the Director of the Africa CDC warned the country should not be complacent but guard against any second wave of infections.

“The African CDC has worked with member states since the beginning of this pandemic and it is important to know where we are and actually to prepare for any eventual second wave. We hope we will not have it but it is better to prepare for the second wave than not prepare at all,” he warned.

After a series of exchanges with the Minister of Public Health, the team from the African Centre for Disease Control was satisfied with Cameroon’s response strategy and hoped other countries could borrow a leaf.

“We have learnt a lot and exchanged with the Minister Public Health and I am sure we have had lessons other countries will benefit from,” Professor Nkengassong said.