THE IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC IN AFRICA: THE CHURCH AS A CASE STUDY

Abstract

This paper considered the challenges of Corona virus pandemic to Christianity in Africa. It also considered other challenges occasioned by the ravaging scourge of the pandemic one of which being the massive loss of jobs following the rampaging scourge of the pandemic. The novel corona-virus is a pandemic that has started to creep into Africa thus making the virus a truly global health security threat. Findings revealed that the number of new 2019-nCoV cases reported within the continent are relatively low but its effects are intense on the people. That is why the African leaders have activated their emergency operation centers to coordinate responses and preparedness activities to the pandemic. A series of measures such as restricting travels, case detection, and contact tracing, mandatory quarantine, guidance and information to the public among other efforts are being implemented across Africa. Further findings revealed that the presence of porous borders, the double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, poverty, poor health literacy, and family clustering, and most of all, weak health systems, may make containment challenging. This study applied the use of both primary and secondary means of data collection for the execution of the research work. The method of approach includes historical and analytical procedures. The study however maintains that it is important for African countries to continue to intensify efforts in addressing the challenges to effectively respond to the uncertainty the pandemic poses.