Africa as a continent has been getting few COVID-19 positive cases as compared to other continents of the world. Many people have attributed this trend to inability to test large numbers, quick response with regards to combating the disease and many more. I therefore want to read your thoughts on the same.
A mayor factor is that african population is much younger - 41% below 15 years means the virus will spread not as fast and only 3% 65 and older (Italy for instance is well over 20%) may get the case-fatality-rate down. On the other hand ir doesnt seem that climate (heat) plays an important role as very hot climate cities in South America (Manaos, Guayaquil, Iquitos, Piura) are strongly affected. Of course low levels of testing are a mayor factor for the numbers.
I largely agree with Stefan Ziemendorff. The availability of testing facilities is an important factor (e.g. in Ghana there are just two institutions offering testing). It will be interesting to learn whether genetic factors play a role (the situations in Brazil and the US do not really support this idea) - but, admittedly, the rather low number of documented infections is surprising.
As @ Stefan Ziemendorff mentioned it is multifactorial. Population age is important here which attributes to low incidence. Testing facilities are very important here, in order to have clear interpretation, you need to know the coverage rate of Covd19 test. There might be a symptomatic cases ? We do not know
A substantial test, trace, treat and isolate system is required, accompanied by an effective lockdown. Face masks on public transport and in shops are strongly recommended. I am fully aware that all this might be diffiicult iin some countries.
Despite all the fears (1-3), COVID-19 is jut patting Africa. May be this is related to younger age of the African populations, cross immunity due to previous exposures of many viruses including HIV.
1. Preprint COVID-19 pandemic in the African continent: Forecasts of cum...
2. Article Is the Africa prepared for tackling the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2...
3. Article COVID-19 in Africa: Socioeconomic Impact, Policy Response an...
Africa is not protected from COVID-19.
As an example, South Africa has now become #5 most affected COVID-19 county in the world by numbers.
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/