Search
Close this search box.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Latest updates on the COVID-19 crisis from Africa CDC.

Africa CDC Vaccination Portal

Latest updates on progress made in vaccinations across the continent

African Union COVID-19 Response Fund

aims to raise resources to strengthen the continental response to COVID-19

COVID-19 Africa Pool Procurement Portal

The Africa Medical Supplies Platform

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a communicable respiratory disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus that causes illness in humans.

Scientists are still learning about the disease, and think that the virus began in animals. At some point, one or more humans acquired infection from an animal, and those infected humans began transmitting infection to other humans.

The disease spreads from person to person through infected air droplets that are projected during sneezing or coughing.  It can also be transmitted when humans have contact with hands or surfaces that contain the virus and touch their eyes, nose, or mouth with the contaminated hands. 
 
COVID-19 was first reported in China, but it has now spread throughout the world. 
 

Best Health Practices

Infection can be prevented by observing personal hygiene practices:

COVID_icons_Maroon-04

Hand Washing

Wash your hands regularly with
soap and water or alcohol-based
hand rub.

Mask_v1-02

Masks

Wearing a face mask CORRECTLY, in addition to good hand hygiene practices and physical distancing can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others.

COVID_VaccineGraphic-01

COVID-19 Vaccine

To protect yourself and others, take the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to you.

You can reduce the likelihood of needing to visit a health care facility for evaluation of respiratory infection. If you develop fever, cough, and/or difficulty in breathing:

Cover your cough

or sneeze in your inner flexed arm/elbow or on a tissue paper.

stay at home

if you have mild symptoms. Do not go to school, to work, or to other public places until you are completely free of all symptoms.

Health Facility

If you have more severe symptoms go to a medical facility and immediately notify the first person you encounter that you are worried that you have a respiratory infection.