Challenges of tackling non COVID-19 emergencies during the unprecedent pandemic

摘要

The Coronavirus disease, which was first reported in December 2019 in China1, has now set foot in sub-Saharan Africa with at least 47 countries affected. As of March 31st 2020, over 800,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 40,000 related deaths have been reported worldwide. Of this global burden, 3500 cases and 78 deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. Consequently, in a rare display of prudency and pro-activeness, African governments have instituted widespread lock downs to avert crises such as have been seen in China, Italy and Spain.