Countries in Africa assessed as being least vulnerable to an epidemic were the worst affected by Covid-19, new research suggests.

Nations with more urban populations and strong international travel links were worst affected by the pandemic, the study shows.

Mortality rates and levels of restrictions — such as lockdowns and travel bans — were found to be lowest in countries previously thought to be at greatest risk from Covid-19.

A team of researchers from the NIHR Global Health Research Unit Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) from the University of Edinburgh worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region to identify factors affecting mortality rates during Africa’s first two Covid-19 waves and the timing of the first reported cases.

Professor Mark Woolhouse, TIBA Director, who co-led the study, said: «Our study shows very clearly that multiple factors influence the extent to which African countries are affected by Covid-19. These findings challenge our understanding of vulnerability to pandemics.

«Our results show that we should not equate high levels of preparedness and resilience with low vulnerability.

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