AfricaNews

WHO fears Lack of Testing leading to Silent Epidemic in Africa

ADDIS ABABA – Africa has so far been spared the worst impact of the coronavirus, but the World Health Organization is worried the continent could face a “silent epidemic” if its leaders do not prioritize testing for it, a WHO envoy said on Monday.

“My first point for Africa, my first concern, is that a lack of testing is leading to a silent epidemic in Africa. So we must continue to push leaders to prioritize testing,” Samba Sow is quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.



There have been almost 3,400 deaths and almost 115,000 infections across Africa according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control – so far much lower rates than in parts of Europe and the US.