Africa could be next coronavirus epicentre, WHO warns

Addis Ababa, April 18, 2020 (FBC) -Africa could become the next epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.

UN officials also say it is likely the pandemic will kill at least 300,000 people in Africa and push nearly 30 million into poverty.

The past week in Africa has seen a sharp rise in coronavirus cases, according to BBC.

There have been almost 1,000 deaths and almost 19,000 infections across Africa, so far much lower rates than in parts of Europe and the US.

The UN Economic Commission for Africa – which warned 300,000 could die – called for a $100bn safety net for the continent, including halting external debt payments.