The Daily A Covid Mystery in Africa
Apr 7, 2022
Stephanie Nolen, a global health reporter for The New York Times, dives into the puzzling low COVID-19 cases in central and western Africa. She shares her firsthand experience in Sierra Leone, where expectations clashed with reality during the pandemic. The conversation unpacks the stark mortality mysteries and explores the roles of past health crises in shaping responses. Nolen discusses environmental factors and demographic influences that contributed to lower impact, all while highlighting the ongoing challenges health officials face in balancing multiple public health priorities.
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Life in Sierra Leone During Omicron
- Stephanie Nolen arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone during the Omicron wave and observed a stark contrast to her experience in Canada.
- Public life continued as usual, with concerts and sporting events, and no one seemed concerned about COVID-19.
Empty COVID Office
- Nolen visited the regional COVID coordinator's office in Calman Cui and found it empty except for the coordinator.
- The coordinator had a laptop but no internet or power and claimed only 11 COVID cases since the pandemic's start.
Low Priority COVID Testing
- At the district hospital, Nolen learned that COVID testing was a low priority.
- Medical staff tested for malaria and typhoid first, rarely reaching COVID tests as patients were diagnosed earlier.