Summary of “The next two weeks will decide Africa’s fate on the corona virus”

Devi Sridhar, in his article “The next two weeks will decide Africa’s fate on the corona virus” published in The Washington Post on March 19, 2020, comprehensively explores the preparedness of Sub-Saharan amidst the corona virus outbreak. The author notes that sub Saharan Africa is a potential hot bed for Corona virus due to the regions close economic ties with China. The prediction also comes amidst the constant new of emerging cases of covid-19 witnessed in neighboring countries like Algeria and Egypt.

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According Devi Sridhar, sub Saharan Africa has reported fewer than 250 confirmed cases of corona virus in comparison to74, 000 confirmed cases in Europe. The author argue that the low recorded cases of corona virus in sub Saharan Africa could partly be due to the region’s  low levels of testing abilities or mislabeling of the viral pneumonia. The author argues that sub Saharan Africa still have a window of opportunity to contain the virus and the next two weeks will be crucial for the continent in determining the regions fate in terms of corona virus.

Additionally, the author says that it is time for sub Saharan countries wake up and smell the coffee because the region has already recorded confirmed cases of the virus which is rapidly spreading.  Author calls’ for Africa countries to vigorously join the fight against corona virus while still in its infant faces is because the region does not have enough financial resources to contain the virus in case it gets out of hand. Secondly, Africa is still faced with pandemic diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and Malaria and corona virus pandemic could worsen the already divesting conditions in the continent. The author concludes his article by calling for sub Saharan countries to take stringent measure that can help in stopping the rapid spread of the disease. These measures include; closing ties with regions that are highly hit like china and Italy, create awareness about the virus, and encourage the people to get tested for the virus.

In case, the sub-Saharan countries do not take an early lead to ensure that chains of transmission are broken, there will be dire consequences. First, the Africa could run the risk of experiencing a larger outbreak without detection. As a result, the region could have another pandemic that could possibly increase its mortality rate. Increased mortality rate would significantly affect the economic viability of the region since they word have enough manpower. Secondly, virus pandemic could possible put pressure on the regions’ economic resources as funds that could have been used to build the economy will be used to fight the pandemic. As a result, there could be an increase in the levels of poverty and famine in the region. Also, the virus could put a lot of pressure health care system of the regions which as of now does not have the capacity to handle global pandemic like Corona Virus. Finally, the region could face cultural conflict of the need for religious institutions to continue providing worship services amidst the corona virus pandemic. The religious leaders would argue that having mass congregation prayers is an essential source of comfort during the times of crisis.

In conclusion, corona virus is real and has proven to be a disease with high rate of mortality and requires collective efforts from nation and international communities to eliminate. On a national level, sub Saharan countries should take stringent measure like closing its borders, creating awareness programs, and encouraging screening to help curb the growing menace.