Institut Pasteur International Network’s efforts to guide control measures against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic among healthcare workers in Africa

•This multi-centre cohort study shows a high risk of coronavirus disease 2019 in HCWs in Africa and conducts to following recommendations.•Strengthen training and information about control measuresto reduce transmission by HCWs; · increase the availability of protective equipment in Africa.•Trace the contacts of infected HCWs to identify transmission links at an early stage, and thus tackle transmission by containment measures.•Promote broad screening of HCWs and serological testing for rapid identification of asymptomatic HCWs. During epidemic periods, HCW are vulnerable. In Africa, cohort studies implemented by the Institut Pasteur International Network in five countries showed after 3-month follow-up around 40% of the HCW have been infected by the SARS-CoV-2. So advocacy for HCW protection strategy need to be fostered and sustained by the health authorities all over the African continent.