Minister of Health Jappie Mhango says Government is taking decisive steps to address some challenges district councils face in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mhango who is also Chairperson of the Special Cabinet Committee on COVID-19 made the assurance in Ntchisi on Tuesday where he monitored the district’s state of preparedness in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Briefing the Minister during the visit, Ntchisi district health officer Dr. Zondwayo Ng’oma singled out understaffing and inadequate supply of protective gear as some of the challenges that are compromising the fight against the global health emergency.

Mhango has since assured that most of the highlighted challenges will be addressed by end of this week.

He said Government is speeding up the recruitment of additional health personnel and the supply of protective materials to public district hospitals in the fight against COVID-19.

The Minister said government will do anything within its means to motivate health personnel for improved service delivery in the fight against the pandemic.

Mhango has further urged people in the district to observe set precautionary measures like social distancing and hand washing with soap, to help disrupt the spread of the pandemic.

So far Ntchisi district has not recorded any case of COVID-19 . Authorities in the district have however disclosed that they are following up on a suspected case, involving a person who recently visited Tanzania.