WHO chief urges Tanzanian leader to tackle Covid-19

The boss of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has sent his congratulations to Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Tanzanian new president, saying he hopes they can work together to tackle coronavirus.

“I look forward to working with you to keep people safe from Covid-19, end the pandemic and achieve a healthier Tanzania. Together!” he tweeted.

Tanzania under the late John Magufuli, has not published details of its coronavirus cases since May, and the government has refused to purchase vaccines despite a plea from the WHO that Tanzanians be inoculated.

Instead, Mr Magufuli called for prayers and herbal-infused steam therapy to counter the virus.

Read also: Events or festivities banned as Tanzanians mourn late John magufuli

The president has not been seen in public for two weeks and some opposition parties said he had contracted the coronavirus. He later died from heart complications.