Abstract

In the latest World Health Organization epidemiological update (week 5, 2021), the number of cumulative cases of coronavirus disease 19 (covid-19) globally stands at 102 million, with 2.2 million deaths. During the first quarter of 2020, Africa was thought to be at high risk of covid-19 mortalities, with the WHO Office for Africa predicting up to 150 078 (best case scenario 82 735; worst case scenario 189 579) covid-19 related deaths in 2020. The most recent figures suggest that 62 504 deaths with covid-19 have occurred in Africa. Various reasons for the muted impact of the pandemic in Africa have been postulated, including younger population demographics, rapid early quarantine measures, and pre-existing immunity. The relative contribution of these factors is unknown.