蜜芽传媒

The World Health Organisation reported in October 2021 that six out of seven Covid-19 infections in Africa were going undetected. They also estimated that round 85 per cent of people with Covid show no signs of the disease, meaning that the people were infecting others without realising they have the disease. While Covid-19 self-tests have been abundant and free for many in the West and other nations, people in Africa have had little access to them.

The African Union's Vaccine Delivery Group says that cheap and accessible Covid testing is vital to the continent's health. Tian Johnson, Community Co-Chair of the African Vaccine Delivery Alliance, explains why Africa countries should have similar access to testing as other countries, and that a more equitable approach to testing and vaccines should be delivered.

"We see school children in Germany being able to test as part of their school day and citizens in the US being able to access free tests, but in some African countries, a Covid test will cost a teacher half their monthly salary."

Photo: A man, a resident of the sprawling township of Alexandra in Johannesburg, opens his mouth to receive a testing swab for COVID-19. Credit: Marco Longari / Getty Images)

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