Summary:
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a great leveller across the world. But its effects stand to be devastating particularly in Africa, where economic and public health conditions are extremely vulnerable. Although African countries moved quickly to curb the initial spread, they are still woefully ill-equipped to cope with a public health emergency of such magnitude due to shortages of masks, ventilators, and even basic necessities such as soap and water. Such conditions have meant that Africa’s cycle of chronic external aid dependence continues. Africa needs medical protective equipment and gear to support its front line public health workers. As Asia’s two largest economies and long-standing partners of Africa, India and China have increased their outreach to Africa through medical assistance. Their efforts are directed to fill a part of the growing African need at a time when not many others have stepped in to help.
Post description
- Publication year: 2020
- Content type: Op-Ed
- Form of cooperation: Technical assistance, Humanitarian assistance.
- Cooperation context: Multilateral
- Sector: Health, Infrastructure
- Institution (publication): Observer Research Foundation
- Author (and co-authors): Harsh V. Pant and Abhishek Mishra
- Keywords: COVID19; China; Africa; Outreach
- Link: ORF Article