A Pause in the Tanzanian Case Count and Other Developments Across Africa
Tanzania may have paused its count of confirmed COVID-19 cases. The health system in Khartoum is collapsing as Sudan’s cases spike. And more from across the continent.
Posts
Danger ahead over COVID-19, Federal Gov’t raises alarm
Latest Developments Nigeria Vanguard (Nigeria) Article/Blog post by John Schellhase“Noting that Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the deadly nature of the virus, the government said there was danger ahead. It also lamented the continued infection of doctors managing the pandemic, urging them to adhere to all the standard Infection, Prevention and Control, IPC, measures.”
Virus exposes gaping holes in Africa’s health systems
Analysis and Opinion Reuters Graphics Report/Study by John Schellhase“Africa could become the next epicentre of the new coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization has said. Across the continent, there is less than one intensive care bed per 100,000 people, a Reuters survey found.”
Public Mistrust, Fear of Stigmatization Slowing Patient Intake at Health Facilities (Liberia)
Latest Developments Liberia Daily Observer Article/Blog post by John Schellhase“Administrators of a hospital and a clinic in Ganta, Nimba County, have alluded to public mistrust which has plagued the health system for years as being the chief culprit responsible for people shying away health centers during this Coronavirus crisis as was experienced during the 2014 Ebola outbreak when people tended to avoid treatment centers for fear of stigmatization.”
SRC approves KSh 3B emergency allowance for frontline healthcare workers (Kenya)
Latest Developments Kenya Tuko Article/Blog post by John Schellhase“Frontline healthcare workers will now share KSh3 billion welfare package introduced by President Uhuru Kenyatta after the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) approved release of the funds. In a letter to Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani, SRC Chairperson Lyn Mengich said the national government and counties can go ahead and pay health workers allowances, which will have three categories.”
Return to lockdown likely, Fed Gov’t warns Nigerians
Latest Developments Nigeria The Nation (Nigeria) Article/Blog post by John Schellhase“A lockdown of the country again is likely. This follows Monday’s gross disobedience of the protocols as Nigerians got some relief after weeks of restrictions. It was the first day after the easing of the shutdown to contain the spread of coronavirus in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states.”
Kenya should consider closing Tanzania border
Analysis and Opinion Kenya / Tanzania The Star Op-ed by John Schellhase“This poses a serious risk to Kenya. There is regular cross-border movement for cattle markets and other activities. If Tanzania cannot protect itself, it endangers Kenya and undermines our own protective measures. The government should consider closing the border with Tanzania.”
Tanzania suspends laboratory head after president questions coronavirus tests
Latest Developments Tanzania Reuters Article/Blog post by John Schellhase“Tanzania has suspended the head of its national health laboratory in charge of testing for the coronavirus and ordered an investigation, a day after President John Magufuli questioned the tests’ accuracy.”
COVID-19 in Africa: The Good News and the Bad
Analysis and Opinion CSIS Article/Blog post by John Schellhase“There is no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic will lead to enormous changes for countries in both Africa and the world. What might a post-COVID-19 Africa look like? We are starting to glimpse the shape of the continent to come—and it’s not all bad news (although there is plenty of that).”
Nigeria is easing its coronavirus lockdown at what could be the worst possible time
Latest Developments Nigeria Quartz Africa Article/Blog post by John Schellhase“Since Apr. 27, when Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari announced the plans to lift the lockdown, the country’s COVID-19 case count has increased by nearly 50%. In the same period, Africa’s most populous country has also recorded over 100 daily cases for more than two consecutive days, for the first time since the outbreak began.”
