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.


Africa Spared Worst of Pandemic by 'Coordinated, Collaborative' Approach

Anita Powell

   JOHANNESBURG - As COVID-19 infections soar in the United States, the
   African continent is bracing for a smaller surge, defying predictions
   that it would be hardest hit.

   According to Africa's top medical official, that's because the
   continent behaved as one indivisible unit in fighting the virus, with
   leaders working together to impose lockdowns, enforce mask requirements
   and work with continental officials to improve testing and treatment.

   "The key, unifying leadership of the continent very early on in
   February has been a very critical factor in moderating the spread of
   the virus on the continent," Dr. John Nkengasong, director of the
   Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said to a collection
   of global health experts during a virtual meeting this week. "As a
   matter of fact, if the continent didn't go into a massive shutdown
   early on in March, with the rates in South Africa, for example,
   doubling every two days, I think that would have been a severe pandemic
   in South Africa."

.