This archive report was first published on 9 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, African countries with low infection rates are exploring ways to ease lockdown measures, according to a report by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
Published on May 9, 2020, the report titled 'Covid-19 Lockdown Exit Strategies for Africa' suggests that countries with low infection rates can learn from others and adopt different exit strategies, such as gradually opening up geographic regions or business sectors, imposing curfews, or keeping high-risk demographics under lockdown.
According to the report, wealthier African countries tend to impose more stringent lockdown rules, which have cost the continent about 2.5% of its annual gross domestic product, estimated at around $65 billion.
Slum dwellers, who make up 56% of Africa's urban population, have been disproportionately affected by lockdowns. A survey of 2,000 residents living under lockdown in five Nairobi informal settlements found that 75% left their homes three times in 24 hours.
Executive Secretary of ECA, Vera Songwe, highlighted the challenges faced by slum dwellers, saying that 70% of those sampled reported skipping or eating less, and over 50% have reduced meals, exposing them to more illnesses due to low immunity.
"Though 95% of slum dwellers have access to public handwashing stations, 32% could not afford extra soap for hand washing. In the region, 36% of people have no handwashing facility while 30% cannot afford soap and water. Only 34% have soap and water," Ms Songwe said.
