Covid-19: Balanced approach needed to manage impact of virus on Africa and its economy

With more than 50 000 confirmed Covid-19 cases in Africa and about 2 000 deaths, Africa’s response to, and management of the global pandemic remains in the spotlight.

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Today’s World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa briefing hosted experts from the organisation, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Africa Health Business and Africa Healthcare Federation on Covid-19 in Africa.

The briefing was supported by the World Economic Forum as part of the Covid Action Platform and hosted WHO regional director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti, executive chairperson of Africa Health Business and president of the Africa Healthcare Federation Dr Amit Thakker and director of regional trade and integration for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Stephen Karingi.

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“We know the virus is having a significant impact on the economy, especially in vulnerable communities.

“We need a balanced approach and action to save lives and livelihoods,” said Moeti.

She said the private sector plays a vital role in the manufacturing of key items required by Africa in response to the pandemic and she also encouraged innovation from this sector.

One of Moeti’s main concerns is the infection of about 1 000 African health workers.

“Africa already has a shortage of health workers and when our frontline workers fall ill or are absent, communities don’t have access to essential services and essential medical care,” she said.

She said the global shortages of personal protective equipment puts frontline workers further at risk.

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Moeti said with the rising number of cases and deaths it is important that countries use data-driven, evidence-based approaches in the response.

“We have modelled the implications of widespread community transmission based on social and environmental characteristics.

“The model predicts that of the approximate one billion people in the African region, up to 26 per cent will be infected in the first year if no containment measures are implemented. This is fortunately not the case.

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“The model also predicts that up to 190 000 could die and the model further predicts that the pandemic will peak within four weeks from the start of widespread community transmission.

“We are aware that many countries have not yet experienced widespread community transmission,” Moeti said.

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She said to stop the spread of the virus, key public health measures need to be in place in every community, even where cases have not been reported.

“Readiness capacities should be prepositioned and countries in the African region are using the model to inform preventative measures and containment measures.

“We are working with countries to leverage the assets they have in place already along with the built in preparation for Ebola and HIV, TB and polio programmes among others, as well as to scale-up coordination, mobilise people and repair supply chains globally and locally,” Moeti said.

“We are convinced with science and solidarity we will stop this virus.”

In response to a question about a supposed cure for coronavirus from Madagascar, Moeti said that the government of Madagascar is being advised to take this product through a clinical trial.

“We are prepared to collaborate with them.

“We would caution and advise countries against adopting a product that has not been through clinical tests for safety and efficacy,” she said.

Economy:

Commenting on the economic impact of Covid-19 on Africa, Thakker said that the sudden shock businesses have faced in Africa due to Covid-19 made them repurpose and reposition themselves.

“Businesses are very aware of the economic collapse as South Africa also projected to have a negative growth rate.

“Businesses are thus aware of the impact of reduced mobility and many are repositioning themselves by adopting a self-sufficient model,” said Thakker.

Commenting on questions about the easing of lockdown measures, Thakker emphasised that these must be based on data-driven, evidence-based approaches.

“It is not a matter of today we have lockdowns and tomorrow everything is opened up.

“It has to be gradual with the essential parts of the economy opened up first.

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“We have guidelines from WHO to progressively releasing these measures,” Moeti said.

“We have to recognise that African governments have done a lot in managing this virus,” said Karingi.

“Projections were that we would have been in a much worse position.

“The governments’ efforts and that of the communities have made it impossible for us to not see the rapid, high growth initially predicted.

“But we know that this has an impact on the African economy,” said Karingi.

In response to questions about South Africa’s ban on tobacco sales, Moeti said that WHO recognises the risk of smoking and it supports the limitation.

“I am not aware of any data to support the statement that smoking helps with early recovery and we will look into this and we will advise countries,” she said in response to a question.

“We are not focused on it as a risk but we continue to support countries that want to minimise it.”

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