Economist Podcasts Very long covid: the lasting risks to Africa
Feb 9, 2021
Kinley Salmon, an Africa correspondent based in Dakar, shares insights on the pandemic's impact in Africa, highlighting the looming public health challenges posed by Long Covid and vaccine distribution hurdles. John O'Sullivan, The Economist’s Capital Markets editor, unpacks predatory trading in volatile markets, illuminating how some traders exploit crises for profit. Additionally, they discuss the troubling rise of plastic pollution in oceans and its unintended consequences for marine life, underscoring urgent environmental concerns.
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Africa's Hidden COVID Toll
- Africa's COVID-19 impact is worse than official numbers suggest, due to underreporting and economic devastation.
- The continent's young population offered some protection, but the true death toll remains uncertain.
Africa's Vaccine Challenge
- Vaccine access is Africa's biggest challenge, hampered by slow rollout and skepticism from leaders like Tanzania's John Magafuli.
- While doses are allocated, arrival times are uncertain, leaving Africa vulnerable to future waves and variant development.
Consequences of Slow Vaccination
- Delayed vaccination in Africa risks prolonged infections, new variants, and extended economic lockdowns.
- These factors combined could lead to further suffering and hinder the continent's recovery.