Sao Tome and Principe has confirmed its first four COVID-19 cases, becoming the 52^nd African state to report a case.

Prime Minister Jorge Bom Jesus said the confirmation came after test results returned from Gabon.

Africa's confirmed COVID-19 cases have surpassed 9,000, with over 400 deaths. Over 800 patients have recovered.

Sao Tome's first cases came as the World Health Organization called for more united efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

In a press briefing on Monday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom called for an all-of-society approach.

"We have said consistently that we're all in this together, and we can only succeed together. We need an all-of-society approach, with everyone playing their part," Tedros said.