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It seems that all assumptions regarding the impact of Ebola on African economy are wrong. The economy in Africa is not too shaken off by Ebola virus. World Bank reported a 25 billion dollars loss, which is less that it has previously been predicted.
Besides the three main affected countries- Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone- the GDP impact on other countries resumes to a total of 500 million dollars. All local and national governments are desperately trying to fight the disease.
The beginning of Ebola virus started one year ago when a toddler from Guinea got infected with a hemorrhagic fever. Since then, it has quickly spread around the entire region killing more than 8,000 people.
The chief of Sierra Leone’s Ebola Response Center, known as NERC, has recently addressed journalists in Freetown stating that he has never been this ready to end the Ebola virus. Even though the payment system of frontline workers seems to be a challenge, Rtd Major Paolo Conteh is confident that he can deal with the virus once and for all.
Payments are a hazardous nightmare, yet the chief will not give up in his determination of fighting and killing the virus. Nonetheless, the NERC boss assured frontline health workers that they will receive a monthly salary on a regular basis. The paychecks will be taken from direct bank transactions.
The good news is that Nigeria, Mali or Senegal were lucky enough to eradicate it. However, other countries have just begun their battles with this deadly virus. While the three main infected countries have noticed a slowing down of the virus, West African governments are averting possible outbreaks. Due to their actions, possible outbreaks have been kept under control.
It is presumed that the economic impact of the virus will target the three most infected countries such as Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. It is assumed that an approximate 1.6 billion dollar economic loss will be expected this year. The combined GDP’s will also lose about 12 percent this year alone.
Recent reports stated that whether the virus spreads even more than it already has, the African governments will have to spend an extra 6 billion dollars.
The regions situated south of the Sahara desert are estimated to have an economical growth of 4.6 percent this year. It is forecasted that oil prices and commodity expenses will considerably decrease in 2015. The World Bank estimates a total loss of 5 percent in African economy in 2015.
Image Source: theneweconomy
