The State of COVID19 Within The East African Region

East African countries have responded differently to the unique challenges posed by COVID19 Pandemic. While some countries seem to have projected the catastrophic challenges associated with this pandemic and learning from their European counterparts, others did not, it may seem – not to have taken it seriously. Countries for instance, Rwanda, Uganda, immediately closed down borders for all passenger flights and planes while only allowing Cargo. Meanwhile Tanzania did not stop the incoming flights from landing to their nation. In the same way, while other countries in the region have implemented social distancing measures, Tanzania again, have not effected that. This shows how some of these states perceive the human security needs of their polities

Also, the degree of responses especially closure of boarders for some nations were quite slow. While it’s believed they needed to consult, a number of citizens had earlier called for total shutdown of boarders and incoming imports of the deadly virus, but the pleas seem ignored. Therefore, the effects of some of the policy responses are yielding results differently amongst these countries. For instance, Tanzania that did not close and implement social distancing measures have seen a surge in number of infections within the shortest time possible. It’s believed a number of COVID19 related deaths in Tanzania are currently not even reported. Therefore, while we cannot exhaustively provide all the interpretations in this post, below we present some graphical illustrations to show the extent of the state of affairs as of 14th April 2020

Graph I: Shows that as of 14th April 2020, a total of 19,705 tests were conducted within the region of East Africa. A total of 447 cases were confirmed. 338 total active cases and 96 recoveries. Also, there were 28 sufferers discharged from quarantine and 13 total deaths registered overall.

Graph II: Below shows that as of 14th April 2020, a total of 5,025 tests were conducted in Uganda while 8,123 tests were done in Kenya. Tanzania had 200 tests done meanwhile Rwanda had registered 6,237 tests. Burundi had 50 tests done while South Sudan had 70

Graph III: Below shows the distribution of confirmed cases by percentages within the region.

Graph IV: Below shows the distribution of active cases in numerical forms within the region as of 14th April 2020

Graph V: Below shows the distribution of recoveries within the region of East Africa as of April 2020

Graph VI: Below shows the percentage distribution of death as a result of coronavirus within the region

Compiled By

Isaac Amuku, Venance Leonard Jeston Ntahondi & Moses Owiny