COVID-19 in Oromia Region of Ethiopia: a review of the first 6 months’ surveillance data

Abstract

IntroductionDespite unrelenting efforts to contain its spread, COVID-19 is still causing unprecedented global crises. Ethiopia reported its first case on 13 March 2020 but has an accelerated case load and geographical distribution recently. In this article, we described the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Oromia Region, the largest and most populous region in Ethiopia, during the early months of the outbreak.MethodsWe analysed data from the COVID-19 surveillance database of the Oromia Regional Health Bureau. We included all reverse transcription-PCR-confirmed cases reported from the region between 13 March and 13 September 2020.ResultsCOVID-19 was confirmed in 8955 (5.5%) of 164 206 tested individuals. The test positivity rate increased from an average of 1.0% in the first 3 months to 6.3% in August and September. About 70% (6230) of the cases were men; the mean age was 30.0 years (SD=13.3), and 90.5% were <50 years of age. Only 64 (0.7%) of the cases had symptoms at diagnosis. Cough was the most common among symptomatic cases reported in 48 (75.0%), while fever was the least. Overall, 4346 (48.5%) have recovered from the virus; and a total of 52 deaths were reported with a case fatality rate of 1.2%. However, we should interpret the reported case fatality rate cautiously since in 44 (84.6%) of those reported as COVID-19 death, the virus was detected from dead bodies.ConclusionDespite the steady increase in the number of reported COVID-19 cases, Ethiopia has so far avoided the feared catastrophe from the pandemic due to the milder and asymptomatic nature of the disease. However, with the current pattern of widespread community transmission, the danger posed by the pandemic remains real. Thus, the country should focus on averting COVID-19-related humanitarian crisis through strengthening COVID-19 surveillance and targeted testing for the most vulnerable groups.

Social distancing and preventive practices of government employees in response to COVID-19 in Ethiopia

“…All national government offices including all ministry offices, the city and sub-city administration offices, the city’s sector offices and the Regional State of Oromia and its sector offices are based in Addis Ababa. Oromia is the state that surrounds Addis Ababa city, and it is one of the regions highly affected by COVID-19 [ 9 ], next to Addis Ababa. The total number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Oromia has increased from 247 as of 21 st June 2020 to 36,817 as of 14 th August 2021, accounting for 6% and 14% of the national cases, respectively [ 13 ].…”

“…The virus has caused unprecedented morbidity and deaths mainly among older age people with underlying health conditions [ 7 , 8 ]. However, a recent epidemiological analysis of COVID-19 cases in Ethiopia revealed that 88% of the patients were between ages 10 and 49 years, and 84% were asymptomatic, indicating that symptomatic and severe cases are lower in Ethiopia than other countries [ 9 ].…”

Seroepidemiology and model-based prediction of SARS-CoV-2 in Ethiopia: longitudinal cohort study among front-line hospital workers and communities

“…Despite the initial prediction that the COVID-19 pandemic would hit Africa hard, the feared humanitarian crisis from COVID-19 has so far largely been avoided. 1 , 2 The total reported numbers from Africa represent only 2·9% of COVID-19 cases and 3·7% of COVID-19 deaths reported globally. 3 , 4 However, the true number of cases and the impact of COVID-19 remains largely unknown due to insufficient testing and weak surveillance and reporting systems.…”

Tracer Pharmaceuticals Availability and Distribution Trends Prior to and During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Study

“…A state of emergency was declared, and border closures, as well as travel and trade restrictions between countries, resulted in a considerable reduction in the number of essential medicines, making it difficult for healthcare facilities to get the products they need. [22][23][24] In Ethiopia, the pharmaceutical supply agency (EPSA) has been delivering essential pharmaceuticals to all public healthcare facilities (HCFs). Currently, there are 19 EPSA hubs within a 160 to 300 kilometer radius of one another, with the main branch in the country's capital.…”