World Health Organisation

Evidence increasingly shows that COVID-19 cases involve mostly people aged over 60 years. In Africa, the median age of the population is 19.4 years, with 60% of the population under the age of 25.

Starting 20 July to 20 September 2020, 77,147 new cases were reported, down from 131,647 recorded from 20 May to mid-July. Deaths attributed to COVID-19 have also remained low across Africa.

To contain and mitigate the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) misinformation pandemic needs multi-levelled, socio-cultural approaches.

Research on social media propaganda shows that bystander inaction can encourage the proliferation of fake news. Anyone with access to the internet can contribute to the war on misinformation.

A new study focusing on Africa uncovers new COVID-19 R&D priorities relevant to the continent. African policymakers should use the findings to prioritise research funding.

COVID-19 is taking heavy toll on Africa’s already fragile healthcare systems. It has also led to increased R&D for creating long-term solutions that could help the continent.

Many Africans have taken to social media to say that they will not take part in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials following ‘racist’ comments from French researchers. As a result, scientists fear COVID-19 clinical research will be compromised.