The Coronavirus outbreak is quite demanding as new cases tally in Africa continues to rise. On the other hand, it appears the numbers are falling in some parts of the world. At the moment, Africa has recorded more than ten thousand infection cases. Besides, according to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, more than five hundred people have died.
African countries have locked down cities, received protective gear as well as testing kits and ventilators from China. Despite the efforts, Africa has not yet flattened the curve. Here are some facts showing how Africa is getting tested by the Coronavirus.
Delayed action by Africa
According to Dr Michael Yao, the Chief Manager of the emergency response program for W.H.O., the window for containing this virus is closing quickly. Most countries are worried as the opportunity might be no longer there or almost not there. Some countries cannot manage this phase-moving in-country transmission. Delays in addressing the pandemic have led to a hike in new cases. Mr Yao encourages African countries to mobilize more people, train more and think about capacity.
Even though it is challenging to compare different regions with different cultures, travel links, infrastructure as well as economies, some judgments show a vital image. As per the research done, Africa seems to be controlling the spread better than Europe and the U.S. Comparison with Asia is not precise as countries there appeared to have reduced new cases relatively quickly.
Testing kits are inadequate
Currently, African nations have struggled hard to maximize their testing capacity. For instance, health ministries are working to change private laboratories into Coronavirus testing centres. A good example is the Pasteur Institute in Dakar. Despite this effort, it is still not enough to win control over the virus outbreak.
Similarly, there is a challenge in supplying the reagents used to test citizens for the virus. Travel across states is prohibited as well as movement in the countries. At the moment, most of the African countries are under lockdown. However, Chinese billionaire Jack Ma has promised donations of at least one million testing kits. Dr Ziraba says although there is a challenge in developing these tests, it is high time for Africans to be hopeful and not complacent.
The rapid virus spread in communities
The Coronavirus outbreak has spread almost in the whole of Africa. At the moment, fifty-two countries have reported COVID-19 cases. Only two countries have not yet confirmed virus incidents- Lesotho and Comoros. In the first place, it began with patients importing the virus, but now it is spreading within communities.
Now, different variables are making predictions more complex. Dr Yao says if Africans are not careful, the cases might easily pick up. It is high time for Africans to be more focused on the fight against COVID-19.
Conclusion
Although the African continent is still recording an increase in confirmed new cases, the number has dropped compared to last month. For instance, South Africa has recorded a significant drop in further incidents, thanks to the extended three weeks of lockdown policy. In my opinion, despite the positive look, Africans must hold on to the preventive measures to avoid an increase in these cases.
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