COVID-19 has had a profound yet varied impact across Africa, revealing both the continent’s resilience and its health system vulnerabilities. The first confirmed case appeared in Egypt in February 2020, and the virus quickly spread to all African countries within months. While overall infection and mortality rates were lower than initially predicted, underreporting and limited testing capacity likely masked the true burden. Many nations faced challenges such as insufficient healthcare infrastructure, limited vaccine access, and economic disruptions that deepened existing inequalities. Urban areas with dense populations experienced higher transmission rates, while rural regions often struggled with delayed medical responses. Despite these challenges, community-based interventions, public health campaigns, and regional cooperation through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) played key roles in containment and vaccination efforts. By 2022, vaccination drives had accelerated, though coverage remained uneven across countries. The pandemic also accelerated efforts to strengthen healthcare systems, improve data transparency, and enhance preparedness for future pandemics. The present dashboard provides an early warning system for forecasting COVID-19 in African countries. For more information please refere to our manuscript.
2026-02-05
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