Evaluating Africa’s COVID-19 Responses – Managing Risks and Setting Priorities

AGI x AGF webinar series:
An intellectual exchange platform for AsiaGlobal Fellows globally to interact with the leadership of the Asia Global Institute and the institute's network of experts on important global policy issues. All are welcome.

Watch the replay here. 

Key takeaways: 

• Throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, government policy responses have been slow, testing regimes have been poor, and medical personnel have been lacking.
  
  
• The flaws of healthcare regimes and infrastructure throughout the continent have been exposed to varying degrees. Many sub-Saharan countries have few ICU beds and have sent patients home for treatment, increasing the risk of infection.
  
  
• The virus is threatening the immense progress that Africa has made in recent years – life expectancy has decreased, education facilities have closed, and gender-based violence is rising.
  
  
• Two positive aspects of the crisis: Cooperation among countries through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has been effective, while partnerships between countries and international organizations and NGOs have been helpful. 
  
  
• Two lessons: First, African governance needs to be improved to increase transparency and encourage pragmatic leadership during crises. Second, investments in technology, infrastructure and education must increase to equip the next generation with better tools to tackle a future pandemic and other new challenges.