Africa's population surpasses 1.2 billion, yet only six laboratories across the continent can test for the coronavirus. This severe limitation exposes critical weaknesses in the region's health infrastructure as the global epidemic threatens.
Several weeks ago, as the first 2019-nCoV coronavirus cases emerged in China, Ivory Coast suspected one of its nationals was infected. As detailed in a February 6, 2020, Washington Post article, authorities shipped samples to the nearest capable lab—in Paris, over 7,000 kilometers away.
The results were negative, providing relief. Yet this episode underscored Africa's inadequate preparedness. At the time, just two labs in Senegal and South Africa could conduct tests. Shortly after, Ghana, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone gained the required equipment.
With only six labs, the continent remains dangerously under-equipped for its 1.2 billion residents—plus about one million Chinese nationals in densely populated areas.
Africa has so far avoided cases, but experts warn of explosive outbreaks if the virus arrives. The global count exceeded 40,000 cases and nearly 900 deaths, with the peak uncertain.
The World Health Organization (WHO) flagged 13 high-risk African countries due to China links, but measures lag. Mozambique stopped issuing visas to Chinese nationals, South Africa rejects China parcels, and airlines halted flights there.
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