AFRICA’S GOVERNANCE RESPONSE TO COVID-19 | PRELIMINARY REPORT 2020 Box 1: Surgical Masks in Benin Benin Benin has been proactive in preventing the spread of COVI-19 pandemic in the country. Instituted measures include: • Setting-up of an ad hoc inter-ministerial committee for the management of the health emergency associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and a committee of experts on COVID-19; • Activation of the National Health Crisis Committee (CNCS) and the strengthening of health surveillance at all points of entry to our country, particularly at the Cotonou Airport and Port; • Thirty million masks (surgical masks) were acquired by the Government during the period and made available to the population at subsidized pharmacy prices. In addition, the public transport operators were implored to provide their employees and passengers with appropriate masks or bibs; • Decision by the Government to authorize the provision of chloroquine at a subsidized price to pharmaceutical pharmacies throughout the country and to the essential drug dispensing units of public health facilities with a view to optimizing therapeutic care in the best safety and control conditions. This therapy has been recommended on the basis of scientific evidence and evidence-based findings by the Government appointed expert medical committee; • Decision taken to systematically screen communities at risk, in particular medical and paramedical personnel, security and defence forces personnel and the prison community (effective since 27 April 2020). 34