As of May 24, 54 African countries had recorded more than 100 000 Covid-19 cases and more than 3 000 deaths. While the number of cases continues to rise, it could have been worse had it not been for African governments taking preventive action despite weakened environments.
Informal workers, 85.8% of the labour force, lacking social protection or buffers against economic shocks, are facing the devastating consequences. This is especially true for women workers who make up the majority of this sector.Africa’s economic growth could contract by 2.6%, pushing about 29 million more people into extreme poverty.
There has also been an alarming rise in levels of violence in the homes and rights-based abuses under the lockdown. The African Union leadership responded swiftly to the crisis, setting up a coordinated continental approach, establishing an anti-Covid-19 Response Fund and appointing special envoys to mobilise international support.The UN, led by the World Health Organisation , led by director general Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, has mobilised to support African countries to prepare for, respond to and suppress the pandemic.
The UN has launched the Covid-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan, much of which is devoted to the African continent. The UN Solidarity Flights, led by the WHO and the World Food Programme in coordination with the AU and Africa CDC, are delivering urgently needed medical equipment to all African nations.
In Burkina Faso, Gabon, Mali and Tunisia, the UN is supporting governments in the procurement of personal protective equipment. In Ethiopia, through the WFP the UN is providing logistical support to facilitate the delivery of products by private donors. Furthermore the UN, along with the AU and the EU, has just signed the regional programme of the Spotlight Initiative to end Violence against Women and Girls, dedicating some $40 million to prevention and response.We must have faith that the pandemic is only a partial eclipse and that Africa’s sun will shine againJust a few months ago, Africa’s fortunes were on the upswing. Some of the world’s fastest-growing economies were on the continent.
First, improve affordable access to medical supplies by creating green lanes at customs to facilitate fast movement, suspending tariffs on medical items, establishing price control mechanisms and fostering local manufacturing of medical supplies.
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