With more than 7000 confirmed cases and 250 deaths across 45 African countries and two territories, as at April 8th, the corona virus pandemic is gradually rising in the continent.
Despite limited human resources, critical shortage of medical supplies and economic fall out on citizens, various heads of government in the continent have shown determination in their responses so far.
The pandemic is not just a global health crisis but also possesses far reaching social economic implications for Africans.
Economic Relief In Nigeria
As a result of sharp decline in commodity prices, trade and tourism, an estimated 100 billion USD is the projected requirement needed by countries in the continent to cushion the economic effect- a direct consequence of the pandemic, drying up government revenue.
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Regionally, a 3 billion USD “fight covid 19” has been granted by the African Development Bank (ADB). In addition, an equal sum was also issued by the African Export -Import Bank to complement national efforts of African states.
Similarly, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, had announced a reduction of interest rate from 9% to 5% and credit relief of 136 million USD, a stimulus package for eligible households, small and medium enterprise, airline services, hotels and healthcare merchants who would be hardest hit by the direct and indirect adverse impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
However, these measures are not enough. It amount to less than 1% of the country’s GDP, ten times lower than the fiscal support packages offered by developed nations.
Thus, projections for the continents’ financial support needed from the world bank, international monetary fund (IMF) and international development partners, may be two times higher than the current estimates.
Dissimilar Contest
In contrast to the Ebola virus fever which required very close contact with blood or body fluids of infected persons, corona virus can spread very rapidly by mere contact with infected droplets either by proximity to an infected person or by contact with droplet-contaminated surface. Gratefully, it is not as lethal, but for the most vulnerable, it could be fatal.
Thus, preventive measures that safeguard against spread of droplet are vital at this time in order to halt community transmission.
Although, the world health organisation had described Nigeria Ebola response of 2014 as a “piece of world-class epidemiological detective work,” in West Africa, the covid 19 presents a dissimilar contest at the moment.
Efforts
Consequently, as measures further curtail the spread, the Nigerian president had invoked the quarantine act in accordance with invested executive powers.
Subsequently, imposing a two weeks locked down effectively from midnight, march 31st in on major Nigerian cities, Lagos and the nation’s capital, Abuja with extension to neighbouring Ogun state as a result of its proximity to Lagos, the nation largest commercial hub.
Although a few successes have been recorded by the Nigerian led centre for disease control, NCDC, the number of cases is still increasing as also seen in other part of the world. Nonetheless, it continues to display robust efforts by restricting travels, continuous information campaign and scaling up of test centres.
What Next For Vulnerable Nigerians
As the lockdown gradually comes to it’s end in a few days ahead, it is unclear at the moment what the next directive of the government would be, given the economic implications for socially disadvantaged Nigerians.
Mindful, a large proportion in the informal sector rely immensely on daily income for sustenance and survival. No doubt, these restrictions has caused an unprecedented level of social economic hardship for these groups of Nigerians and may potentially pose a huge threat to further measures on combating the virus in the country.
While the ministry of humanitarian affair and disaster has begun palliative cash transfer, the criteria or methods for identifying the poor of the poorest and who and where to start these relief is unclear at the moment.
Accountability And Transparency
Although, these social safety nets put in place by the government are not dissimilar to the economic interventions in developed countries such as the United Kingdom, it is worth underlining that during times of heightened fear or conflict, trust of citizenry is may be difficult to build.
While the pandemic continues to unfold some of our systemic rots and ineptitude, it is imperative the eventual remote disbursement of palliative packages is marked with clear accountability, transparency and equity.
People are far less likely to doubt a system that unswervingly protects the lives and welfare of their families and communities. These interventions will not only go a long way buffer and protect lives of Nigerians but in addition, may potentially help building confidence and the regain the trust of its lectorates in the system which was devoid of either.
The COVID-19 could potentially exacerbate the already disproportionate burden of both communicable and noncommunicable diseases and other local realities within the continent. As a result, the global health system is potentially as formidable as its weakest link.
The pandemic has highlighted our interconnectedness. Consequently, the success of any nation will be fleeting until every country succeeds. Our fate is intertwined.
Beyond the immediate responses, the pandemic has accentuated the critical importance of social determinants of health, health system strengthening, social as well as infrastructural investments.
Attaining these goals is not only paramount for the continent but the entire world.
*** Evaborhene Aghogho Nelson is a Nigerian medical doctor and global health scholar, University College, London/ [email protected], [email protected]
