State of the Pandemic, Africa, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan
development

Period. 6 – 12 April 2020

With just 2% of the world’s commercial air traffic, the novel Coronavirus took time to gain a foothold in Africa, but all 55 countries are now reporting cases. As of this morning, there are 13,771 confirmed cases (40% weekly increase) and over 750 deaths across the continent. The Director of the Africa CDC warned that COVID-19 represents an “existential threat for our continent,” as more than 20 countries have now reported at least 100 cases and local transmission is expected to surge over the following week.

South Africa surpassed 2,000 confirmed cases, but has been praised for its proactive response, including early and strong border control and testing measures. The rate of new daily reported cases drastically reduced from 42% two weeks ago to an estimated 4% after the government imposed strict lockdown and border control measures. With expected community transmission, the lockdown has been extended to the end of April, and the government is actively preparing local health systems and rolling out mass testing and screening campaigns with winter approaching.

Northern Africa remains the most affected region, as three countries are approaching 2,000 cases, including Egypt(1,939), Algeria (1,825), and Morocco (1,617). The UN and regional authorities have expressed particular concern over sub-Saharan Africa, as limited diagnostic testing kits and public health surveillance capacity is likely masking and further exacerbating local outbreaks. The African Centre for Strategic Studies has warned that South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Nigeria are particularly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19.

Healthcare workers are also acutely at risk, with 267 confirmed cases. More than 10 countries have also suspended vaccination campaigns, including the DRC where 6,500 children have died of measles since an outbreak was first reported in October 2018.

France is taking an active role in supporting South Africa’s leadership in establishing a comprehensive regional action plan to assist African countries cope with the coronavirus pandemic. The UN Economic Commission for Africa has endorsed France’s proposal to impose a moratorium on African debt, calling for IMF Special drawing Rights of up to US$500 billion.

The UN and regional authorities have expressed particular concern over sub-Saharan Africa, as limited diagnostic testing kits and public health surveillance capacity is likely masking and further exacerbating local outbreaks. Based on a targeted survey of risk factors, the African Centre for Strategic Studies has warned that South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Nigeria are particularly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19.

This development is part of the digest;