Somali Medical Association raises red-flag over COVID-19 suspected cases

Somali Medical Association (SMA) has warned of a possible spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country over what it termed as unattended cases reported in various medical facilities.

While hailing efforts by the government to curb the spread of the virus, the Association said lack of capacity to test and follow up cases could expose the country to further spread of the disease.

“There could be cases undetected cases since there have been many patients with symptoms similar to COVID-19 who have visited various medical centres,” the Association said in a statement Monday.

The medical practitioners called for robust follow-ups and public adherence to measures issued by the ministry of Health. They also urged members of the public to use face masks while in public places.

The remarks by the SMA echoed similar sentiments expressed by Health Deputy Minister Mohamed Abdullahi who warned Monday there could be undetected cases particularly in Mogadishu after the recent COVID-19 case was located in the capital with no history of travel outside the country.

Mass testing remains a major challenge to ascertaining the exact cases of COVID-19. Somalia still relies on WHO testing centres in Kenya but Health Minister Fawziya Abikar said last week the country was on course to opening up its own testing centres in three weeks’ time.