The COVID-19 pandemic has caused economies to slow, governments to scramble to respond and confined people to their homes. However, many countries have found ways to adjust to the limitations the illness brought on. New Zealand, South Korea and Australia are three countries that have successfully limited the spread of the virus. As a result, the nations were able to reopen and keep their people safe. On the other hand, Tanzania is one country that is struggling to contain the virus within its borders. As a result, there is no end in sight for COVID-19 in Tanzania.

Epidemics in Africa

Deadly diseases frequently spread throughout Africa. For example, the consistent recurrences and escalation of Ebola ravaged Africa from 2014 to 2016. Moreover, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced the spread of diseases on and off since the 1970s. Furthermore, Africa had 229 million cases of illnesses and diseases in 2019. Of these cases, about 94% of them were malaria cases and deaths.

Excluding Antarctica, Africa has the second-lowest transmission rate. As a result, COVID-19 has not affected many African countries as much as other nations. Many African nations took appropriate measures and provided vaccines effectively. Recently, Africa engaged in many preventative measures to prevent the spread of disease. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) constructed treatment centers throughout Africa. In addition, protective equipment such as PPE and CUBE units have emerged.

COVID-19 in Tanzania

However, the implementation of such measures has not occurred regarding COVID-19 in Tanzania. Tanzania has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the African continent. Furthermore, the government was hesitant to release the data for transmission and death rates within the nation. As a result, it was difficult to identify weak points in Tanzania’s response to the crisis. In addition, it is challenging for Tanzanians to be aware of specific risks of the virus.

However, Tanzania is making steady progress to combat COVID-19. The government has implemented strict measures to deter the spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, a greater sense of political accountability and acknowledgment of the virus exists compared to a few months ago. Additionally, the government has placed restrictions on super spreading events in Tanzania such as weddings and funerals. The CDC has also made efforts to bring in a surplus of protective equipment to help safely solve this crisis.

Tanzania has struggled greatly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. However, administrative efforts to acknowledge and react to the virus have successfully slowed the spread of COVID-19. There is hope for solving this crisis with support from the CDC and self-governmental acknowledgment.

– Jacob Hurwitz
Photo: Flickr