Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Coronavirus Cuts Different Paths Across Africa

Anita Powell

   JOHANNESBURG - The coronavirus, medical experts like to say, doesn't
   care about borders, or language, or any of the cultural aspects of
   humanity. Like viruses the world over, it just sees targets.

   But since the virus appeared on the African continent three months ago,
   it has taken a different course in different countries. The continent
   recently reported 100,000 positive cases, but they're spread unevenly.
   South Africa leads the continent, with more than 25,000 cases and rapid
   growth, whereas the small tropical island of Mauritius hasn't seen a
   new case of local transmission in more than a month.

   Meanwhile, countries such as Rwanda and Uganda that have previously
   sparred with epidemics have reported cases in the hundreds, but no
   deaths.

   Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization's regional director
   for Africa, said the organization is training more than 10,000 health
   workers in an attempt to decentralize their response to deal with these
   different realities.

   "Most countries still have fewer than 1,000 reported cases," he said.
   "This means that as governments ease lockdowns and other social
   measures, it's important that the strong public health measures are in
   place all over the territories, not just in the capital cities. That
   communities are empowered and enabled to take preventive actions. And
   that we continue working on strengthening health systems and delivering
   essential services to people."

.