Africa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic: A review of the nature of the virus, impacts and implications for preparedness [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations]
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AAS Open Research
Abstract
COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc in different
countries across the world, claiming thousands of lives, increasing
morbidity and disrupting lifestyles. The global scientific community is
in urgent need of relevant evidence, to understand the challenges and
knowledge gaps, as well as the opportunities to contain the spread of
the virus. Considering the unique socio-economic, demographic,
political, ecological and climatic contexts in Africa, the responses
which may prove to be successful in other regions may not be
appropriate on the continent. This paper aims to provide insight for scientists, policy makers and international agencies to contain the
virus and to mitigate its impact at all levels.
Methods: The Affiliates of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS),
came together to synthesize the current evidence, identify the
challenges and opportunities to enhance the understanding of the
disease. We assess the potential impact of this pandemic and the
unique challenges of the disease on African nations. We examine the
state of Africa’s preparedness and make recommendations for steps
needed to win the war against this pandemic and combat potential
resurgence.
Results: We identified gaps and opportunities among cross-cutting
issues which is recommended to be addressed or harnessed in this
pandemic. Factors such as the nature of the virus and the
opportunities for drug targeting, point of care diagnostics, health
surveillance systems, food security, mental health, xenophobia and
gender-based violence, shelter for the homeless, water and sanitation,
telecommunications challenges, domestic regional coordination and
financing.
Conclusion: Based on our synthesis of the current evidence, while
there are plans for preparedness in several African countries, there
are significant limitations. Multi-sectoral efforts from the science,
education, medical, technological, communication, business and
industry sectors as well as local communities is required in order to
win this fight.
Description
Keywords
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Africa, Preparedness, Pandemic, Resurgence, Drug discovery, Diagnostic testing
Citation
Badu K, Thorn JPR, Goonoo N et al. Africa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic: A review of the nature of the virus, impacts and implications for preparedness [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations] AAS Open Research 2020, 3:19 https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13060.1