‘This report highlights the large information gaps on Covid-19 which exist in Africa and threaten response efforts.’
Cape Town – Almost 70% of people across Africa said
food and water would be a problem during a 14-day coronavirus
lockdown, while more than half would run out of money, a new report
found on Tuesday.
Countries across Africa have quickly implemented policies to curb the
rapid spread of coronavirus infection, but they need to find a
balance between reducing transmission while preventing social and
economic disruption, according to a report conducted by global market
research firm Ipsos in collaboration with the Africa Centres for
Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other
partners.
“Covid-19 is not just a health crisis, it’s a political and social
crisis as well,” said Africa CDC director John Nkengasong.
The new findings will help countries make strategic decisions on
relaxing their lockdowns, given that the economic fallout from the
coronavirus pandemic will hit already vulnerable populations the
hardest, said WHO Africa regional director Matshidiso Moeti.
After interviewing almost 21 000 people from 28 cities in 20 African
countries on potential Covid-19 stay-at-home measures, the report
also stressed important information gaps in many nations across the
continent.
One third of respondents said they don’t have enough information
about the coronavirus, including on how it spreads and on how to
protect themselves.
Only 44% of those interviewed across Africa believe the virus
is a threat to them personally.
“This report highlights the large information gaps on Covid-19 which
exist in Africa and threaten response efforts,” said Moeti.
African nations faced particular hurdles during the pandemic due to
their large percentages of vulnerable populations, limited safety
nets and a critical scarcity of health-care workers, according to the
report.
“The most successful response to Covid-19 in Africa must consider
context and adaptability, and must be data-driven,” said Nkengasong.
dpa
