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Africa Approaches 1 Million Coronavirus Cases

Anita Powell

   JOHANNESBURG - The African continent is fast approaching 1 million
   confirmed cases of coronavirus, with South Africa alone accounting for
   more than half-a-million cases. World Health Organization officials say
   they're sending a team of experts to South Africa in coming weeks, as
   the health minister warns the nation could see a "second wave."
   Meanwhile, other African nations are looking at creative ways to
   respond to the pandemic.

   Five months after the first case of coronavirus case was recorded in
   Africa, the continent's known caseload remains a small share -- just
   five percent -- of the global burden.

   But, says Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa,
   officials are concerned about the continent's hotspot, South Africa,
   and the rest of the continent, as it approaches a grim milestone.

   "The realization is dawning strongly that we will have to live with
   this virus for some time," Moeti said. "There are now almost 1 million
   reported cases of COVID-19 in Africa, so we have not yet reached that
   milestone, and over 21,000 people have sadly lost their lives. South
   Africa remains the worst affected country on the continent and is now
   the fifth most affected country globally. In partnership with the
   Department of Health in South Africa, WHO is deploying more than 40
   regional experts to provide support at the national and provincial
   levels in the country."

   But, she said, experts worry the true burden could be higher than they
   know, because of a lack of testing kits and other barriers.

   "I'm often asked whether they reflect the true picture of the epidemic
   or not. One of the constant and concerning challenges in many African
   countries is a shortage of kits to test people for COVID-19," she said.
   "At the same time, some countries have increased their testing per
   capita while maintaining a low positivity rate, countries such as
   Mauritius, Rwanda, Cabo Verde and Botswana. Through the UN supply
   portal, we are supporting countries to replenish test kits and other
   commodities."

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