I what scientific answers on the observation that the Coronavirus pandemic was a lot lesser in Africa.
I think it depends on various factors (e.g., subtypes, environmental effects, etc.).
Obviously, the low number of COVID-19 tests and the lack of data partially distort the balance sheet, the number of COVID-19 cases in Africa being undoubtedly largely underestimated.
Your statement that Covid-19 is less virulent among Africans is simply incorrect. In USA and UK Africans are more affected and with worse outcome than Caucasians. In Africa the outbreak of Covid-19 is just starting. Because of poverty, lack of health infrastructures, poor hygiene practices, residential crowding, comorbidities (HIV,TB,Malaria etc) the mortality rate of Covid-19 will be higher than in other countries.
There is only one circulating SARS-COV-2 strain everywhere. So, the main reason maybe the underestimation of real COVID-19 cases in African countries due to low testing strategy!
Well do not believe the idea of underestimation completely. If there were death occurrences like what happened in Italy, USA, China, they could not be hidden from CDC, WHO, UNICEF and other healthcare providers working with the African Health nationals.
You can hide malaria-infection and HIV but definitely not COVID-19.
We can think of any scientific reasons other than underestimation, poor Health care system and other reasons which seemed theoretical. Even the few infected ones do not express severe symptoms as were observed out African continent. Something must be working in their favour despite all odds. It must be God's hand, believe you me !!!
Africa is somehow protected from COVID-19 pandemic.
Although low reported cases of COVID-19 in Africa could be due to undertesting due to lack of facilities, chances of protection due to high infection-rate due to so many other viruses could not be excluded.
It would be catastrophic to have COVID-19 pandemic of the proportion seen in Europe and USA, because the health infrastructure is ill-prepared to deal with it.
Do you consider any level of immunity conferred on native Africans as a result of previous exposure and treatment of tuberculosis, malaria and other such that are none existance in orient world?
Low prevalence rates for COVID-19 in Africa are a blessing in disguise considering very weak health care infrastructure.
Until some studies are done, whatever we are speculating will remain a speculation for COVID-19 situation in Africa.
Africans take some food species that may be medicinal eg tubers like cassava and bush fruits.
The warm climate too may not favor the virus
Thanks for your suggested answers. I agree their healthcare systems may not be fantastic but definitely not as bad as many have painted them. Africans have their undeniable ancient therapic systems that are still very efficacious in addition, to their advantage. The Black Americans in US as well as in other countries were not allowed access to equal medical attention that was the major reason for the observed high mortality rates amongst them. What are your thoughts?