During the second week of March the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The disease had spread rapidly in many countries around the world.

We have documented many rumours that the virus does not affect black people and communities.

But there is no proof that melanin protects black people from the coronavirus. There is also no scientific evidence that African blood composition prevents Africans from contracting the coronavirus.

This misinformation persisted even after the deaths of high-profile black Africans, such as legendary Cameroonian musician Manu Dibango, and Zimbabwean media personality Zororo Makamba.

The biggest challenge is that we are underprepared for this outbreak in terms of awareness-creation in our communities. If our community are not aware of the danger and referral pathway once they have signs and symptoms, this could be extremely problematic.

AHA COVID-19 Health Message

We have created this resource to help our community understand some of the important messages relating to COVID-19.