Data to support African ‘resistance’ to COVID-19 hypothesis are not available

Abstract

More than two years since the first case was reported in Africa, COVID-19 still lurks on the African continent, shattering the hopes and livelihoods of millions of people. Although Africans are accustomed to infectious disease outbreaks, COVID-19 seems unique in its aetiology and impacts. Assertions that Africans were ‘resistant’ to COVID-19 in the first wave were put forward, but data to support the accuracy of these claims are not available. More research data are required to explain COVID-19 prevalence and interventions in African settings. Control of COVID-19 should not just be left to medical doctors. All experts, working in multi-disciplinary, inter-disciplinary, intra-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary (MIIT) teams, should be involved in finding solutions to COVID-19 in Africa. We urge all our readers and contributors to get vaccinated against COVID-19.