Poised to discuss desperate measures at combating the spread of COVID-19 in the region, leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will, on Thursday, hold a virtual summit.

In a statement on released on Wednesday, the organisation said the heads of governments of member countries will assess the situation and impact of the disease on the region.

According to daily updates from the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) as of Tuesday, the confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the region are 5,774.

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“The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government will be holding an Extraordinary Session through videoconference tomorrow April 23, 2020, scheduled to Start at 10:00 am Universal Time,” the organisation said.

“The Heads of State will be discussing the Situation and Impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic in the ECOWAS Region. Preceding this Extraordinary Summit, the Ministers in Charge of Finance and the Governors of Central Banks from the Region held a virtual Extraordinary Session on April 21, 2020, on the COVID-19 situation.

“To address the COVID-19 Situation in the Region, ECOWAS had immediately made available financial support, in addition to assistance from international partners, for the purchase of medical supplies and equipment essential for the fight against the pandemic.

“ECOWAS reaffirms its solidarity with the Member States and welcomes all the measures already taken to contain the spread of the pandemic and care for the sick.”

But 1,616 patients have recovered from the disease, with 147 deaths recorded in the region.