Surgo Foundation: Why a young population is Africa’s best defence against coronavirus

The Africa COVID-19 Community Vulnerability Index has been making waves across the continent as a groundbreaking tool that provides predictive power to African policymakers and leaders, helping them identify the communities most vulnerable to the impact of COVID-19. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Dr. Sema Sgaier, Executive Director at the Surgo Foundation, shed light on the index and its significance in the fight against the pandemic. The index, which ranks 751 regions in 48 African countries based on their vulnerability areas, aims to equip governments and organizations with valuable information to strategically allocate resources and efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus. Dr. Sgaier emphasized the distinction between 'risk' and 'vulnerability,' highlighting that while certain areas may initially bear the brunt of the virus due to connectivity and density, the spread of COVID-19 will eventually affect every community in the country. This holistic approach underscores the importance of understanding and addressing vulnerabilities beyond just health considerations, encompassing economic and social impacts as well. The response from governments and organizations to the index has been promising, with wide support and eager adoption of this innovative tool for decision-making. One key aspect of the index is its recognition of Africa's young population as a strength in the battle against COVID-19. While there has been a shift in the demographics of COVID-19 fatalities, with more young people succumbing to the virus, the data still overwhelmingly supports older age as the primary predictor of mortality. Dr. Sgaier explained that the increased number of infections among younger individuals contributes to the higher death toll in this demographic, but the risk remains significantly higher for older age groups. Despite Africa's youthful population, variations exist within the continent, with countries like South Africa, Tunisia, and Morocco having higher average ages, leading to higher predicted mortality rates. The conversation also veered towards the healthcare system's vulnerabilities in Africa, with Dr. Sgaier acknowledging the challenges posed by limited data on non-communicable diseases. This gap presents an opportunity for healthcare companies to innovate and contribute to improving data collection and analysis for chronic conditions like diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and heart diseases. By delving deeper into granular data at the country level, businesses can better support governments and healthcare providers in addressing health risks and enhancing overall healthcare infrastructure. The synergy between data-driven research, government initiatives, and private sector innovation holds promise for strengthening Africa's resilience against the ongoing pandemic and future health challenges.