He advocates for prudent use of scarce resources.
Former President and Chairman of International Summit Council for Peace – Africa, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has in a message issued by the Executive Secretary and Administrator of the council, Ambassador Simeon Uwah, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state on Sunday, sympathised with residents in the African continent, who have been impacted by measures taken to ensure the containment of COVID-19 in Africa.
The former president also expresses hope that the sufferings caused by the highly contagious disease, will quickly pass away.
The statement reads in parts: “We all recognize that the virus is having a devastating impact on our quality of life, the global economy and most importantly, on the health and well-being of humans across the world.”
“We express our special solidarity and sympathy for countries that have been hit the hardest by the virus. It is our hope that this time of crises and suffering will pass away, while we will emerge stronger, wiser and better equipped to face future crises (if any).”
He advised Africans to change the crisis situation to opportunity to assist one another and build the bond of love, unity, kindness and hope towards each other as means to move the continent forward.
“As members of one human family; one family under God, et us convert this crisis into opportunity, as we move to help one another and spread hope and encouragement,” Jonathan stated.
He lauded efforts of African government for doing their best to check the spread of the virus despite lean resources at their disposal.
“We wish to continue to encourage the efforts of Africa governments in particular, who are doing their best within the limits of the resources at their disposal, in dealing with this world pandemic, while we encourage citizens to abide by the directives of the relevant authorities, in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus.”
He appealed to government at all levels in the continent to join hands in the fight against the global pandemic in the continent.
“We call on all local, regional and international organisations and foundations to join hands in the fight against this global pandemic, especially on the African continent”.
“There is an obvious challenge with the availability of testing kits and ventilators on the continent, a gap that requires such assistance to fill.
“Together, we shall continue to build a peaceful and prosperous Africa centered on universal values,” he assured.