African scientists seek evidence for traditional treatments

The released genetic information enabled laboratories in many countries to begin developing diagnostic tests.

The newly available sequence let international teams compare the virus with other coronaviruses.

Public sequence data supplied a basis for molecular assays; validation and distribution followed later.

The dated release concerns genetic information, not a claim that vaccines or treatments were already available.

WHO and Africa CDC launched a 25-member committee to advise on testing proposed traditional therapies for COVID-19.

Members came from research institutions, regulators, traditional medicine programmes and civil society across the region.

Regional director Matshidiso Moeti said that research into potential traditional COVID-19 therapies needed a scientific foundation.

An independent commission certified interruption of indigenous wild poliovirus transmission in the region.

Health workers and communities sustained immunization and surveillance across countries.

The achievement did not eliminate vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks.