This archive report was first published on 24 April 2020.
Published on April 24, 2020, by Alice Wairimu Nderitu, this article highlights the importance of community healthcare workers in combating the Covid-19 pandemic in Africa.
Despite the often-cited vulnerability of Africa to infectious diseases, the continent has relatively low numbers of Covid-19 cases. However, pessimistic predictions depict a continent ill-equipped to deal with the pandemic.
Community healthcare workers are the face of healthcare delivery for many in Africa, trusted by grandmothers and shopkeepers alike. They play critical roles in improving health services, particularly in remote villages, and provide support information on chronic diseases prevention, physical activity, and nutrition.
It is time to hire more community health workers, enhance their capacity to address health issues, and build their knowledge to collect data in the communities to inform policy.
Furthermore, the article highlights the need for African governments to take the lead in combating racism against Africans in their own countries and in the diaspora. This includes establishing or strengthening legislation and institutions to address racist attacks or behavior.
Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of cross-fertilization of ideas on Covid-19, learning from and trading with each other. Governments should enhance policy coordination, particularly on health and food security, and nurture human capital through education and healthcare.
Africa will survive Covid-19, just as it survived the slave trade, colonization, and the Cold War. African governments should mobilize their citizens to tap into their community ties to effectively fight this pandemic.
