Categories
AFNewsNG Logo
Health Special Report

Bill Gates wonders why number of COVID-19 cases, deaths are low in Africa

Thompson Nsisongabasi

Dec 26, 2020

Bill Gates, a co-founder of Microsoft and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), has said that he does not understand why coronavirus numbers have not been as high as predicted in Africa.

READ ALSO: ARSENAL: Coach Mikel Arteta Reacts to Aubameyang Exit Claims | READ DETAILS

Recall that Gates and his wife, Melinda had in more than one occasion, warned that there will be dead bodies all over the streets of Africa if the world does not act fast enough.

READ ALSO: Why Nigeria Must Declare a State of Emergency on Malaria - Hon. Amobi Ogah Reveals at National Retreat

Melinda said her heart was in Africa, adding that she is worried that the continent might not be able to handle the devastating effect of the virus.

READ ALSO: REVEALED: How Common House Rats Can Kill - Shocking Truth Behind Silent Deaths in Nigerian Homes

But in his end of the year note, Bill said he was happy his prediction about Africa has not happened, "One thing I'm happy to have been wrong about-at least, I hope I was wrong-is my fear that COVID-19 would run rampant in low-income countries. So far, this hasn't been true,ÔÇØ he wrote.

READ ALSO: Jim Iyke Sparks Outrage: "Doctors Are Trained Not to Heal - Sickness Is Their BusinessÔÇØ

In most of sub-Saharan Africa, for example, case rates and death rates remain much lower than in the U.S. or Europe and on par with New Zealand, which has received so much attention for its handling of the virus.

READ ALSO: How Nonchalant Attitude at Federal Medical Centre Umuahia Is Turning Accident Victims Into Casualties - Shocking Findings Emerge

"The hardest-hit country on the continent is South Africa-but even there, the case rate is 40 percent lower than in the U.S., and the death rate is nearly 50 percent lower.

READ ALSO: 'Buhari Died In London Hospital After Promising Nigerians Quality Healthcare' - Activist Adetoun Attacks Late Ex President

"We don't have enough data yet to understand why the numbers aren't as high as I worried they would get - but gave probable reasons Africa was not as affected as expected.ÔÇØ

READ ALSO: Jude Ndukwe, Founder Ochomma Oha 1 Forum Welcomes Abia PDP Chairman, SWC on Familiarisation Tour of Umuahia North LG

Meanwhile, Nigeria is currently fighting the second wave of the coronavirus.

READ ALSO: Brig. Gen. Zirkushu: Army Retaliates, Suppress Over 50 ISWAP Terrorists In Borno

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 had last week announced a second wave of the dreaded virus.

READ ALSO: INSIDE ABIA: Allege Serial R@pist Remanded In Prison, As Young Victims Recount Experience | WATCH VICTIMS'S TESTIMONIES + PHOTOS

The Federal Government on Tuesday directed civil servants from grade level 12 and below to stay at home.

READ ALSO: WATCH VIDEO: Ifenkili Damsels Spill Secrets on Sugar Daddy & Sugar Mummy Lifestyle in New Episode

They are to remain at home for five weeks following the second wave of the COVID-19 disease in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Why Tinubu Removed Maryam Sanda From Pardon List After Public Outcry

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, on Friday stated that COVID-19 related deaths now stands at 1,246.

READ ALSO: How a Nigerian Professor's AI System Could Predict Depression Before Symptoms Emerge

Nigeria currently has a total of 82,747 confirmed cases in the country.

Related Stories

""

— Thompson Nsisongabasi

Join the Conversation

Signed in as Member