
GENEVA, April 10 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) noticed a "welcome slowing" of COVID-19 infections in some of hardest-hit countries in Europe, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday.
"In the past week, we've seen a welcome slowing in some of the hardest-hit countries in Europe, like Spain, Italy, Germany and France," the WHO chief told a regular press briefing.
However, the WHO also witnessed an "alarming acceleration" in other countries, especially in Africa, where the virus is spreading to rural areas.
"We are now seeing clusters of cases and community spread in more than 16 countries," said Tedros, adding that there would be "severe hardship for already overstretched health systems, particularly in rural areas."
Countries need to localize the response by urgently strengthening the existing public health and primary health care infrastructure, he urged.
The WHO chief called on the G20 to expedite their support to Africa, where the cases are "still relatively small but accelerating."
Globally, nearly 1.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 have now been reported to the WHO, as well as more than 92,000 deaths.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses