An Update: COVID-19 in Africa
By Jennyfer Ambe
Africa #Factsnotfear
Africa, a continent with over 1.3 billion people is the second largest continent on the planet. As of March 21st, 2020, 40 out of 54 countries in Africa have been affected by SARS-CoV-2 the virus that causes the disease COVID-19. Across Africa there are currently 1,106 known cases of COVID-19[1]. This is low for a continent as some countries have recorded as many cases in just one day. Many African countries have a high burden of disease, crowded urban areas often with very poor sanitation, poverty, conflict and weak infrastructure.
Although Africa has lagged behind the rest of the world concerning COVID-19 confirmed cases, the third week of March has seen a marked increase of COVID-19 infections and one death. On Wednesday March 19th, it was announced that a lawmaker and politician in Burkina Faso, Rose-Marie Compaore, died the night before[2]. She had underlying health issues and was one of sixty-four cases in Burkina Faso, a Sahelian country. The country has a weak health system with over 130 health centers closed due to the attacks by terrorists.
Given the fragile health care infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa, experts have repeatedly warned about preventative measures that can be taken to stem the inevitable. Most of Africa’s cases were imported onto the continent on international flights. Two of Africa’s biggest carriers connecting countries within Africa and internationally, have taken drastic steps to curb the pandemic. South African Airways has suspended all flights until June. Ethiopian Airlines has halted flights to 30 countries with heightened risks.
Angola and Botswana have closed all borders (land, sea and air) but pictures of President Joao Lourenco of Angola and President Mokgweetsi Maisisi of Botswana were taken at the inauguration of Namibian President Hage Geingob after borders were closed[3].
Nigeria has banned arrivals from countries that have more than 1,000 cases. The ban went into effect on Friday, March 20th. Countries on the list are: China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, United States. On March 21st it was announced that Nigeria will close the country’s two main airports in Abuja and Lagos from March 23rd [4]. Other African countries also have travel bans in place: Cape Verde, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea- Bissau, Madagascar have banned flights and imposed bans on large gatherings.
Ghana will begin a two week ban on all flights and human entrance to the country starting mid-night on Sunday, March 22, 2020 according to the President’s address to the nation on Saturday, 21st of March 2020. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo addressed the Ghanaian people for the 3rd time within the last 10 days on the situation concerning COVID-19 and the measures they will be taken to battle the disease[5]. Out of the 19 confirmed cases, one had serious complications and has since died. The other 18 are recovering from their illness, with eight of them in isolation in their homes. In addition, the surveillance team are conducting contact tracing to ensure the safety of the people. The president also urged the nation to seek the face of the Almighty. Christians and Muslims are requested to pray and fast on the 25th of March for the nation to be saved from this pandemic.
Zimbabwe which is currently in a state of near economic collapse with an inflation rate of close to 500%, has its first confirmed case of COVID-19. Amidst the declaration of a national disaster, hospitals for the general public often lack basic necessities and doctors have been on strike for months. Professor Obadiah Moyo, Zimbabwe’s Minister for Health, made the announcement that the confirmed case is a 38-year-old who had returned to Britain via South Africa on March 15th. The man self-quarantined when he arrived but later informed his doctor that he had been feeling ill[6].
South Africa saw a rise in COVID-19 cases to 202, currently the highest in sub-Saharan Africa. This comes days after declaring a national disaster. Five of the confirmed cases had arrived from abroad and attended a religious gathering with more than 200 people. At Oliver Tambo international airport in Johannesburg, officials stated that those who are not South African nationals and non-residents will be isolated and returned to their countries of origin[7].
Although the current case count is low considering the size and population of the continent, the situation in Africa is escalating fast with a higher number of confirmed cases daily and an upward trajectory of confirmed case counts. There have been a lot of rumors about the virus and now more than ever, there is a need for appropriate science and health communication outreach to the continent of over 1.3 billion people who belong to multiple cultural and language groups. Countries are currently taking on strong mitigation measures and hope to counter act the effects of an already fragile health systems. Africa Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, Africa region have been bracing for this eventuality and are offering support.
[1] WHO dashboard. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
[2] Spartari, M. (2020, March 18). First virus death in sub-Saharan Africa as WHO warns “prepare for the worst”. AFP. https://www.afp.com/en/news/15/first-virus-death-sub-saharan-africa-who-warns-prepare-worst-doc-1pz75n8
[3] Mednick, S. & Anna, C. (2020, March 21). Africa records more than 1,000 COVID-19 cases, spanning at least 40 countries. Time. Retrieved from https://time.com/5807731/africa-coronavirus-cases-rise/
[4] Coronavirus: Travel restrictions border shut downs by country (2020, March 22). Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-travel-restrictions-border-shutdowns-country-200318091505922.html
[5] President address to the Nation. 21st March 2020. YouTube retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3VpF0XBTo0
[6] Anna, C. & Mutsaka, F.(2020, March 20). Zimbabwe has 1st COVID-19 Case while Africa Cancels Flights. Associated Press Retrieved from https://apnews.com/9634f62c20a5926b4ad94f5d301b1c5c
