COPING WITH COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN AFRICA: THE RELIGIOUS COPING OPTION

Abstract

Since its emergence in Wuhan, China in December 2019, COVID-19 has affected almost all the continents of the world including Africa. The daily real-time reporting of the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened panic and fear in people, as the number of cases and deaths recorded globally continues to increase. There is a lot that remains unknown about this disease. Authorities and scientists do not yet have all the answers to the many questions being asked. Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for COVID- 19; medical treatments are limited to supportive measures aimed at relieving symptoms, use of research drugs and therapeutics. In the absence of a vaccine and no known cure for COVID-19, it is expected that people will easily turn to a higher power than themselves as a way of finding hope in a seemingly hopeless situation. In Africa, the role of religion in crisis situation cannot be overlooked, therefore religious coping becomes a credible option for coping with the challenges of COVID-19 in Africa. Using he Religious Coping Theory, this paper highlights how the soothing power of religion can be explored by Africans in coping with the COVID-19 crisis. It recommends among others the need for Africans to develop a stronger relationship with God by concentrating on personal religious activities, and the need for people of all professions and religious faiths to spread God’s love and hope to family members, neighbours, friends, and anyone else in need. It is believed that through these, Africans will overcome the challenges posed by the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic