The first coronavirus case appeared in Egypt in February and has since spread throughout Africa. The virus was introduced into the continent through tourists from Europe and China, among other places. Of the 54 African countries, 37 are affected by the virus, one million people officially infected. Although the spread has begun at a slower pace than on other continents, the virus is spreading more and more rapidly. Health experts are very concerned. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director of the World Health Organization (WHO), called on Africans to prepare to live "worse than the bad situation." All hospitals have the same reading: we are not prepared.

Prevention to prevent the epidemic

The Organization for Disease Prevention and Control of the African Union has divided its anti-coronavirus policy into three pillars: Prevention, limitation of deaths and prevention of social massacres. But the first column will secure the other two. That is why they are making the most of their impact on prevention.

Most African states have a poor health system, which increases the concern of health officials. Because they know that if they increase the number of infections they will be overcome and their situation will be uncontrollable. South Africa, which has the continent ' s best care system, would also not be able to respond to the epidemic, as explained by the WHO representative for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, to the newspaper Le Monde.

Therefore, more and more municipalities are taking preventive measures. But that's also difficult for them: face masks, coronavirus screening tests, hand washing water and hydroalcoholic solutions. Until February, there were two Covid-19 diagnostic laboratories in Africa, one in Senegal and one in South Africa. With the forecast of the epidemic, the centres have multiplied by more than forty. There are many villages that have closed schools and prayer places or that have limited people in public transport. Some States are also closing borders.