On May 30, the respected journal The Lancet published an article warning against complacency about the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa but also offering glimmers of positive news. They, like others, note contradictory and partial information. Despite expectations of fast spread, Africa is still the least affected region globally, with 1·5 percent of the world's reported COVID-19 cases and 0·1 percent of the world's deaths according to the WHO. Hypotheses as to why include “sensitivity of the virus to ambient temperature, Africa's comparatively young population, lower rates of obesity, and familiarity with infectious disease outbreaks.” But low levels of testing might be artificially lowering apparent infection rates. Above all, Africa’s situations differ widely and so do both actual and possible future paths. 

The Lancet highlights three critical points (beyond the call for a continuing watch): (a) The swift response of many African countries, especially with lockdowns, though human rights organizations voice concerns about abusive implementation by police and military, including in South Africa; (b) the high economic risks and weak social protection, with 71 percent of Africans working in the informal sector with virtually no financial reserves; and (c) what the world can learn from Africa’s unique difficulties and its unique strengths. 

The Lancet article does not focus on one of Africa’s most distinctive features: the central role of religious beliefs and institutions. These too are mobilizing in response to the COVID-19 crisis with advocacy and action, again with wide variations and diverse specifics.

Programs of the Christian World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy program offer an example. Practical guides and community-friendly reflections highlight the need to adapt public health messages to local circumstances: “There is the logistical challenge of accessing food for many in contexts that are densely populated. This is coming at a time when there have been shortages; the lockdown has made a bad situation worse,” says Prof. Ezra Chitando.

Three important areas of focus are encouragement of interfaith response, addressing real risks (and past experience) of rising discrimination, and domestic violence. 

Interfaith efforts are encouraged for theological reasons: “Different faiths are serving the same people of God.” In practical terms, most of the challenges are shared; therefore the same common message often suffices. Concurrently, “avoiding duplication results in a more efficient use of resources.” Citing Canon Gideon Byamugisha on HIV, the program affirms that “There is no COVID-19 for a particular religion. It is for all of us.” 

Lessons on the realities of stigma result from previous pandemics, especially HIV/AIDS. “Stigma is slowly setting in, and has been meted on members of communities who have been quarantined and released, those who have been sick with COVID-19 and have recovered, and those whose relatives have died of the disease.” People from counties declared most at risk face stigma. Some link COVID-19 with sin, especially same-sex relationships. Disease is seen as a punishment from God. “There is a continued need to keep exhorting faith communities to apply faith but to adhere faithfully to the public health guidelines as well.”

On gender violence, WCC builds on its Thursdays in Black campaign for a world free from rape and violence, urging religious leaders to be on high alert for gender-based violence. “Due to confinement, sexual and gender-based violence is on the rise and this is also worsened by dawn-to-dusk curfews in Kenya and Uganda, since in the curfew hours those violated may not at all access help.”  

Hopeful signs are seen in compassion and unity at the grassroots level. An example: “Three women joined together to cook for police officers manning a lockdown area barrier that prevented people from crossing between less affected areas and Nairobi. The women saw that the roadblock was in an isolated place where there are not even canteens. Every day—from their personal savings—for two weeks now, the women have provided the officers with food and drinking water. The women say they will continue until the end of the lockdown.” These small actions can make a big impact, as people live out their faith practically in different ways.