THE COVID-19 pandemic has reached a milestone in Africa, with more than 100 000 confirmed cases the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed.

The virus has now spread to every country in the continent since the first case was confirmed in the region 14 weeks ago.

Different pathway

Despite crossing this threshold, the pandemic, which has struck with such devastating force in much of the world, appears to be taking a different pathway in Africa. 

WHO experts say that case numbers have not grown at the same exponential rate as in other regions and so far Africa has not experienced the high mortality seen in some parts of the world. 

For now COVID-19 has made a soft landfall in Africa, and the continent has been spared the high numbers of deaths which have devastated other regions of the world. It is possible our youth dividend is paying off and leading to fewer deaths. But we must not be lulled into complacency.

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa
 

Today, there are 3100 confirmed deaths on the continent.

By comparison, when cases reached 100 000 in the World Health Organization (WHO) European region, deaths stood at more than 4900. 

Early analysis by WHO suggests that Africa’s lower mortality rate may be the result of demography and other possible factors. 

Africa is the youngest continent demographically with more than 60% of the population under the age of 25. 

Older adults have a significantly increased risk of developing a severe illness. 

In Europe nearly 95% of deaths occurred in those older than 60 years.

Difficult decisions

African governments have made difficult decisions and were quick to impose confinement measures, including physical and social distancing, which will have significant socio-economic costs. 

These measures, which along with contact tracing and isolation, expanded or increased hand washing have helped to slow down the spread of the virus.

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa said: “For now COVID-19 has made a soft landfall in Africa, and the continent has been spared the high numbers of deaths which have devastated other regions of the world.

“It is possible our youth dividend is paying off and leading to fewer deaths. But we must not be lulled into complacency as our health systems are fragile and are less able to cope with a sudden increase in cases.”

African governments have made difficult decisions and were quick to impose confinement measures including physical and social distancing.

The continent has also made significant progress in testing with around 1.5 million COVID-19 tests conducted so far. 

However, testing rates remain low and many countries continue to require support to scale-up testing. 

And there is a need to expand the testing capacity in urban, semi-urban and rural areas, and provide additional test kits.