This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa has surprisingly defied predictions by scientists and experts from developed countries, recording low fatality rates and high recoveries. According to the Worldometer COVID-19 Data, the continent has so far claimed slightly over 1,800 lives across 56 African countries, with the fatality level across the world hitting 257,000 by May 7, 2020.
One of the countries that have managed to keep the fatality rate low is Rwanda, an East African country with a population of 12.9 million. As of May 7, 2020, Rwanda had recorded 268 cases of coronavirus and 130 recoveries, with no reported deaths. The nation has partially lifted its lockdown, allowing hotels and restaurants to operate but close by 7pm, and permitting individual sporting activity in open spaces.
Uganda has also recorded impressive results, with 100 positive cases and 55 recoveries, and no reported deaths. President Yoweri Museveni was swift to impose a lockdown among a series of stringent measures meant to curb the spread of the disease.
Namibia, a country in the South West of Africa, has reported 16 cases of COVID-19, with half of them recovered, and no reported deaths. The country has started opening its economy gradually after a partial lockdown imposed by President Hage Geingob lapsed on May 4.
Madagascar has also received global attention after President Andry Rajoelina launched a herbal medicine which, he said, has a capacity to heal the disease. However, the World Health Organisation has warned Africans against using untested remedies for COVID-19.
