Coronavirus
Burkina Faso reports first coronavirus death in sub-Saharan Africa
The Sahel state of Burkina Faso on Wednesday announced its first death from coronavirus, which is also the first known fatality in sub-Saharan Africa.
“We recorded the death overnight of a female patient aged 62, who suffered from diabetes and was in intensive care,” Burkina’s national coordinator for responding to the virus, Professor Martial Ouedraogo, told the press.
With the addition of seven new cases, “the number of patients (in Burkina Faso) stands at 27, comprising 15 women and 12 men,” Ouedraogo said.
The tally includes a case in the town of Bobo Dioulasso, the first outside the capital Ouagadougou.
Africa has lagged behind the global curve for coronavirus infections and deaths, although the reasons for this are unclear.
As of Wednesday, a tally of reported cases, compiled by AFP, stood at 576 for all of Africa.
Of these, 15 cases have been fatal: six in Egypt, five in Algeria, two in Morocco, one in Sudan and one in Burkina Faso.
Experts have sounded loud warnings about the vulnerability of sub-Saharan countries to the highly contagious respiratory virus.
Many countries are at high risk, given weak health systems, poverty, urban slums, porous borders and poor sanitation.
-
News18 hours ago
N3.5bn irregularities uncovered in Taraba varsity
-
News18 hours ago
Ruto to address Kenyans as deadly flood toll hits 188
-
Crime18 hours ago
Why I abandoned my 13 months baby in well – Delta mother
-
Metro19 hours ago
Delta killing: Court hears villagers’ N100bn suit against army
-
Metro15 hours ago
EFCC move against schools charging in dollars
-
Economy15 hours ago
FG to increase mining license fees, charges
-
Economy18 hours ago
Nigeria needs $2bn to revive Ajaokuta Steel – Minister
-
News19 hours ago
Parents kick as Abuja varsity student slumps, dies in gym