Wife of billionaire businessman and Microsoft founder, Melinda Gates, has expressed concern over the possible effect of Coronavirus, COVID-19 Pandemic in the third world countries.
She warned that there would be dead bodies all over the streets of Africa if the world does not act.
Melinda said her heart was in Africa, as she also expressed worry that the continent might not be able to handle the devastating effect of the virus.
“It’s going to be horrible in the developing world.
“Part of the reasons you see the case numbers still do not look very bad is because they don’t have access to many tests.
“Look at what is happening in Ecuador, they are putting bodies out on the streets, and you are going to see that in countries in Africa.”
Gates Predict High Death Rate In Africa
Melinda fears things will get worst for Africa once cases peak due to weak health care systems and lack of humanitarian supports in the continent.
She pointed out that her worst fear was when she “saw what China had to do to isolate an enormous part of its population.
“I have been in townships all over Africa and slums. When we talk in country physical distancing and hand-washing, if you live in slums who can’t physically distance, you have to go out and get your meals. You don’t have clean water to wash your hands.”
You will recall that the billionaire philanthropist had expressed optimism that the coronavirus vaccine would be widely available in 18 months.
According to Melinda, healthcare workers should get it first followed by people with underlying health conditions.
She further stated that the US would have to work on a plan to distribute the vaccine equitably given how the federal government has mishandled the distribution of equipment like masks and protective gear during the pandemic.
Earlier, the editorial desk of everyevery.ng had posted an article on the critical things Nigerian government should pay keen attention to in dealing with the possible effects of the pandemic.
In the article, attention of the government was drawn to the health sector, the need for an accurate Database and the urgent need to pay attention to the high rate of hunger in the country to avoid severe social vices in the society.