Containing COVID-19 and the social costs on human rights in African countries

Abstract

Multiple social interventions were introduced to contain the COVID-19 pandemic across Africa, limiting social engagement, school and workplace attendance, and travel. In anticipation of negative economic consequences and social impact, many governments introduced cash transfers, social pensions, food aid, and utility and tax waivers. However, people living precariously and/or under conditions of structural vulnerability were often unable to access to this support. A rapid review was undertaken on COVID-19 and the effects of interventions on human rights in African countries, examining primary studies, editorial notes, opinion papers, and literature reviews, with focus on qualitative approaches and discussions. In examining the links between health, human rights and non-pharmaceutical interventions on vulnerable populations, the review identified that: (1) people who were vulnerable were excluded from or not adequately represented in policy responses to COVID-19; (2) the precarious socio-economic conditions of these populations were not adequately addressed by dominant policy responses; and (3) only partial support was offered to those whose relationship with the state was ambiguous or conditional, so compromising human rights. Interactions between health, human rights, and underlying social and economic conditions amplified poor health and impoverishment of those who were already vulnerable. The challenge is to find a balance between stopping the spread of COVID-19 and the protection of human rights; to implement population-specific responses to supplement uniform public health responses; and to address causes (structural vulnerability) rather than symptoms. There is a need to plan rather than react to pandemics, and to co-construct interventions with rather than delivering instructions to populations. These recommendations serve as instruments to be considered when designing new policies, to incorporate a human rights perspective in responses to current and future pandemics.

Exploring the Psychological, Social, and Human Rights Dynamics and Consequences of COVID-19 Control Measures: A Systematic Review

“…The review encompassed studies examining the unintended consequences of COVID-19 vaccine policy (36), COVID-19 control measures in African countries, and the psychological and financial impact of travel restrictions (37,38). Bardosh The review also discussed the human rights restrictions and impacts of COVID-19 control measures in Indonesia (33).…”

“…A systematic review of 13 selected studies aimed to explore the psychological and social impact of COVID-19 control measures and their implications for human rights. The studies covered a range of topics, including the human rights and marginalization of older adults (26,27), intimate partner violence (28), mental health rights (29), government responses (30), torture prevention (31), impacts on rural survivors of intimate partner violence (32), human rights derogation (33), the rights of children and youth (34,35), the unintended consequences of COVID-19 vaccine policy (36), COVID-19 control measures in African countries and the psychological and financial impact of travel restriction (37,38).…”

Policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in West Africa: a scoping review protocol

“…Critics of the NPIs that were implemented in West Africa suggest that governments merely ‘copied and pasted’15 policy responses from the Global North that were largely inappropriate. They argue that the NPIs failed to recognise the social, cultural economic and political realities of many African countries,16 and by so doing did not adequately consider the precarious socioeconomic conditions of local populations 17. Other analysts suggest that the policy responses in West Africa constituted a mix of under-reactions and over-reactions to the pandemic 18.…”

The pandemic and Africa: a review of the psychological, social, and nutritional impact of COVID-19 in Africa

“…35 These non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) significantly impacted vulnerable, low-income populations disadvantaged owing to poverty factors, living conditions, as well as pre-existing inequality, ranging from discrimination to exploitative practices. 3 Considering the limited medical facilities and resources in Africa, including a shortage of health facilities, understaffed hospitals, limited sanitary items, and overcrowded healthcare facilities, the COVID-19 pandemic further aggravated these dire conditions. 36 In South Africa, the first case was reported in 2020, March 5, and merely 23 days later, the government had already introduced a national lockdown.…”