WHO warns that COVID-19 could kill up to 190,000 in Africa

It is feared that the COVID-19 global pandemic could end up claiming at least 190,000 lives in Africa. Additionally, up to 44 million people could fall victim to the outbreak that has continued wreaking havoc.

The above speculations are said to be within the first year of infection, should governments not embrace more measures to curb the disease.

Already, the African continent has so far reported 53,200 cases, among them 2,027 people dead. According to WHO, 3.6 to 5.5 million people could require medical attention. While some serious cases will require oxygen, others will also require life support equipment.

Initially, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa had projected at least 0.3 million deaths in Africa, while 29 million persons will be pushed to poverty.

But then WHO conducted research in the 47 African nations amounting to 1 billion persons. Out of the research, the agency stated that between 83,000 and 190,000 deaths could be registered, should the pandemic fail to be contained in its first year.

Between 29 million and 44 million other infection cases could also be registered. "The new estimates are based on modifying the risk of transmission, and disease severity to variables specific to every country," stated WHO.

Reportedly, the low transmission rate in Africa, according to WHO, meant a prolonged outbreak over the years. The agency also expressed concerns in nations like Algeria, Cameroon, and South Africa, which stood a higher risk if sooner containment won't happen.

"Covid-19 could become a fixture in our lives for several years unless a proactive approach is taken by governments in the region," African WHO Regional Director Dr. Matshidiso Moeti stated.

According to Dr. Moeti, the predicted number of those who would require being admitted may overwhelm medical capacity for several nations.