Article content

Scientists warn of potential calamity from novel coronavirus in African countries with strong links to Chinese investment and travel while ill-prepared to detect cases and limit transmission.

A new modelling study estimating preparedness, vulnerability and likelihood of importing the new virus, called COVID-19, that is raging in China, calls for an urgent priority for increased resources and surveillance on vulnerable African nations.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Health officials brace for coronavirus spread to Africa as modelling study reveals most vulnerable countries Back to video

The first case of COVID-19 in Africa was confirmed in Egypt on Feb. 14. The patient is a foreign visitor.

Egypt, Algeria and South Africa were classified at the highest risk of importing COVID-19 from China by researchers. These countries, however, were also among the best prepared on the continent, reducing vulnerability.

Nigeria and Ethiopia were rated among the most vulnerable.

The findings are from a new virus modelling study published in The Lancet, a prestigious general medical journal.