Ebola was first discovered in 1976, and since then, there have been several outbreaks in Congo DRC. The first case in Nigeria was in 2014.
People may not know is Africa is big and physically isolated. It is almost impossible to travel from Nigeria to Congo DRC by road.
People may not know is Africa is big and physically isolated. It is almost impossible to travel from Nigeria to Congo DRC by road.
Africa's internal isolation, and isolation from the rest of the world might be one of the hidden factors behind the low prevalence of Covid-19.
First of all, Covid-19 is a "rich man's disease", it was introduced by international air passengers. Few Africans fly.
First of all, Covid-19 is a "rich man's disease", it was introduced by international air passengers. Few Africans fly.
Heathrow, for example, has annual capacity for 30 million passengers. Lagos Airport, in contrast, can only handle 5 million.
In addition, air travel within Africa is limited. There are no direct flights between Lagos and say, Kinsasha - or even Lome, Togo.
In addition, air travel within Africa is limited. There are no direct flights between Lagos and say, Kinsasha - or even Lome, Togo.
Secondly, it is difficult to move within African nations. The road system within Congo DRC has virtually collapsed - and Nigeria's internal roads are crumbling (more on that in this report by @sbmintelligence): sbmintel.com/2017/10/where-…
In contrast, India has 65,000km of rail
In contrast, India has 65,000km of rail
In addition, the kind of people who travel by air locally and internationally (upper/upper middle class Africans, Western & Asian expatriates) are unlikely to either use public transport or live in close proximity to the "masses" - and most have separate sewage/water systems.
Of course, early lockdowns and other proactive measures helped, in addition to younger (healthier?) demographics - but there are a couple of other factors.
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