Preet Kaur Gill MP, Labour’s Shadow International Development Secretary, commenting on the recent sharp rise in reported coronavirus cases and deaths in Africa, said:

“The UK Government needs to act now and lead the way at international level to develop a robust plan to support countries in Africa and help tackle the coronavirus before the virus spreads further and death rates skyrocket.

“This rapid rise in reported cases is already threatening to overwhelm overburdened and under resourced health systems in Africa.

“This is a  global pandemic, we need a global response, the UK must quickly work with our international partners to put mechanisms in place to help free up vital resources so that African countries can focus on strengthening their response to the coronavirus before it’s too late.”