We are celebrating Easter under testing circumstances. Within just four months of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,

over 2 million people are infected with over 150,000 deaths in more than 200 countries.  All African countries are affected except two. Recently, Prince and colleagues modelled growth trajectories on 46 sub-Saharan African countries using data from the first 30-days. Their conclusion is sobering--Africa is “at a tipping point with clear potential for the outbreak to follow a similar course as in HIC in the global north” (medRxiv preprint doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.04.09.20057091) Although the health systems of all countries have been tested, the African health system will be tested like no other. 

During these unprecedented times, we are seeing unprecedented commitment, collaboration and hard work. People are coming out of the shadows to offer help. Ethiopian scientists living in the diaspora are working with scientists in Ethiopia. Unprecedented research projects are underway or are being planned. International partners are supporting health system strengthening and product development initiatives. Partnerships within country are flourishing. The hope and the solutions-focused attitude is reflective of the spirit of Easter. This has to be nurtured and maintained beyond this period.  This is a time for fighting and building. We have to fight to protect lives and defeat the pandemic. We have to build a resilient health system and sustainable capacity to make essential and novel health commodities within Ethiopia and the region. During this Easter period, we need a new and radical vision for the future. Africa’s future has to be radically different. 

May I take this opportunity to humbly wish us all a peaceful and victorious Easter.