Only about 4% of the world’s cases and 2% of global deaths from covid-19 have been recorded on the continent, following a strong early public health response from many African governments. But cases have been spiking faster lately, particularly in South Africa, where the lockdown was strict and early but where international travellers arrive in greater numbers than other African countries. South Africa accounts for a third of the continent’s reported cases, but it is Egypt that has seen the most deaths. It does include Algeria, which the model forecast would suffer the most deaths, followed by Nigeria and South Africa. After South Africa, Nigeria has the most health worker infections in absolute terms, but more alarming trends are seen in neighbouring Niger, where health workers account for 19% of infections and there is one doctor per 20 000 population.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 03, 2020 16:07 UTC