Sub-Saharan Africa preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic: A perspective of early career African scientists

Abstract

<ns4:p>Emerging highly transmissible viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2 pose a significant global threat to human health and the economy. Since its first appearance in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, China, SARS-CoV-2 infection has quickly spread across the globe, with the first case reported on the African continent, in Egypt on February 14<ns4:sup>th</ns4:sup>, 2020. Although the global number of COVID-19 infections has increased exponentially since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of new infections and deaths recorded in African countries have been relatively modest, suggesting slower transmission dynamics of the virus on the continent, a lower case fatality rate, or simply a lack of testing or reliable data. Notably, there is no significant increase in unexplained pneumonias or deaths on the continent which could possibly indicate the effectiveness of interventions introduced by several African governments. However, there has not yet been a comprehensive assessment of sub-Saharan Africa’s (SSA) preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic that may have contributed to prevent an uncontrolled outbreak so far. As a group of early career scientists and the next generation of African scientific leaders with experience of working in medical and diverse health research fields in both SSA and resource-rich countries, we present a unique perspective on the current public health interventions to fight COVID-19 in Africa. Our perspective is based on extensive review of the available scientific publications, official technical reports and announcements released by governmental and non-governmental health organizations as well as from our personal experiences as workers on the COVID-19 battlefield in SSA. We documented public health interventions implemented in seven SSA countries including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Cameroon, Zambia, South Africa and Botswana, the existing gaps and the important components of disease control that may strengthen SSA response to future outbreaks.</ns4:p>

Effects of COVID-19 in South African health system and society: An explanatory study

“…Despite the closure of the schools, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) introduced online learner support programmes such as COVID-19 Television and radio curriculum support programmes for learners. Institutions in Higher Education and Training adopted online learning facilities (blended learning) such as Learning Management Systems (Moodle), as wells as social media platforms such as WhatsApp [ 21 ] and video-conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams among others. However, teaching and learning practicals and labs remain a daunting task especially in the medical field, engineering and science practical-oriented courses during the lockdown period.…”

Indirect Effects of COVID-19 on Maternal, Neonatal, Child, Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Kampala, Uganda

“…Preparation and readiness measures against COVID-19 in Uganda began between January and March 2020, focusing on health systems strengthening and capacity building, aided by early allocation of WHO funding 18 19 . From the 2 nd March, the public were informed of the threat of COVID-19, with education and training subsequently disseminated 18 . Testing focused on contacts of identified cases and those returning from travel, with populationwide lockdown measures imposed quickly after the first case in Uganda was reported on 21 st March 2020 20 21 .…”

“…Testing focused on contacts of identified cases and those returning from travel, with populationwide lockdown measures imposed quickly after the first case in Uganda was reported on 21 st March 2020 20 21 . This included border closures, port-of-entry screenings, and quarantines for travellers 18 . By the 25 th March this escalated to a ban on group-gatherings and non-essential internal travel, recommendation to work from home, and close schools 18 22 .…”

Africa's preparedness towards COVID-19 vaccines: Demand and acceptability challenges

“…Vaccine hesitancy has been acknowledged as one of the top 10 threats to global health ( WHO 2020b , Jarrett et al, 2015 ). With considerable socio-cultural complexities in Africa ( Umviligihozo et al, 2020 ), generating demand for COVID-19 vaccines on the continent could be met with hesitancy and other misconceptions that need to be addressed. Therefore, readily available appropriate information, including anti-vaccine attitudes or beliefs, and the development of trust through educational campaigns are required ( Fisher et al, 2020 ).…”