WHO Warns Of ‘Dramatic Evolution’ Of Virus In Africa

The regional director of the World Health Organization for Africa warned on Friday that the continent was facing a “dramatic evolution” of the coronavirus pandemic.

Of the 47 countries in the WHO region in Africa – which includes Sub-Saharan Africa and Algeria – 39 countries are now affected, compared to just a month ago, Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti told the French television channel France24.

Moeti said there have been about 300 cases a day in the past few days and called for “intensified action by African countries”.

“The situation is very worrying, with a dramatic evolution: a geographical increase in the number of countries and also an increase in the number of infections,” said Moeti.

Cases rose on the world’s poorest continent last week to a total of nearly 3,500 cases and 94 deaths, according to an AFP count covering all of Africa.

African countries have ordered curfews and lockdown in response to the growing pandemic, amid fears that the poor health infrastructure will leave the continent terribly exposed to an outbreak on the scale of Europe hit by viruses.

Moeti acknowledged that measures were being taken to stem the spread of the virus and isolate suspected cases.

Governments have banned religious meetings and sporting events, while schools have been closed in 25 countries, she said.

She noted that 42 countries are now able to diagnose the disease. “A few weeks ago, only two countries were able to diagnose,” she said.

Moeti, however, emphasized that the continent was ill-equipped to deal with a major health crisis.

“It is true that in many African homes, people live in large families. Sometimes it is very difficult for everyone to have their own room, “she said.

“There is a very strong community life. We have to find other hygiene methods to minimize the spread of the virus. “