News & Analysis: Regional coordination
“The HIV/AIDS response is, in some respects, a shining example of what can be achieved when countries and people work together. The work of organisations such as the World Health Organisation, UNAIDS and the International AIDS Society help to coordinate rapid sharing of information and resources between healthcare providers and communities.”
“Africa’s customs experts have given their support to the adoption of continental guidelines to facilitate free and timely flow of cross-border trade amid the COVID-19 pandemic ahead of the start of trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area on 1 January 2021.”
“Countries need to grow and spur economic growth including creating new wealth, without which there is limited public revenue, yet expenditure continues as governments have to provide public services. Co-operation is critical. Putting resources together as well as sharing information to make sure countries have a common objective in keeping the flow of trade going.”
“Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has said that efforts at ending Tuberculosis are now complicated because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The President has called on the international community to act in unison with rededicated efforts, using the latest available technology and tools, to address the TB epidemic, one of the leading causes of death worldwide.”
COVID-19 Africa Watch talks to Gayle Smith, President and CEO of the ONE Campaign, about the global response to COVID-19, inclusive access to an eventual vaccine, and the role of civil society in responding to the pandemic.
“The World Bank, and other multilateral development banks, are unlikely to pull out the stops in their response to this once-in-two-generations crisis unless they get clear guidance from their major shareholders to do just that. The evidence suggests the rich country shareholders on whom the Bank depends for financial support are not sending this message.”
“A suitable combination of non-pharmaceutical interventions is necessary to curb the spread of the virus. Less disruptive and costly interventions can be as effective as more intrusive, drastic, ones (for example, a national lockdown). Using country-specific ‘what-if’ scenarios, we assess how the effectiveness of interventions depends on the local context.”
“This week, private sector lenders rejected Zambia’s request for a payment holiday, and by doing so fuelled concerns that ‘Africa’ would be falling into a debt crisis.This kind of action and speculation is highly problematic. Not only does it label Africa’s 55 countries as one, it also appears to be based on information that is contrary to data and cannot be rationally explained.”
“COVID-19 has highlighted the great promise borne by the digital economy. The flip side, however, is that we now understand there to be a significant digital divide between those who are either without internet access or unskilled in the use of modern technology, and those who could easily work and learn from home.”
“GAVI, the global vaccine alliance, has been securing vaccine candidates to make the vaccine equally accessible to low-income countries. However, the countries may be required to share some of the costs of delivery which is up to $1.60 to $2 per dose. The economies of most African countries may not be able to afford the vaccine delivery.”
A hub for information, analysis, and the global response to COVID-19’s impact on Africa