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Radiology practice in sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 outbreak: points to consider.

Authors :
Mutala, Timothy Musila
Onyambu, Callen Kwamboka
Aywak, Angeline Anyona
Source :
Pan African Medical Journal. Sep-Dec2020, Vol. 37, p1-8. 8p.
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

COVID-19 is a rapidly growing pandemic that has grown from a few cases in Wuhan, China to millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide within a few months. Sub-Saharan Africa is not spared. Radiology has a key role to play in the diagnosis and management of COVID-19 as literature from Wuhan and Italy demonstrates. We therefore share some critical knowledge and practice areas for radiological suspicion and diagnosis. In addition, emphasis on how guarding against healthcare acquired infections (HAIs) by applying "red" and "green" principle is addressed. Given that pandemics such as COVID-19 can worsen the strain on the scantily available radiological resources in this region, we share some practical points that can be applied to manage these precious resources also needed for other essential services. We have noted that radiology does not feature in many main COVID-19 guidelines, regionally and internationally. This paper therefore suggests areas of collaboration for radiology with other clinical and management teams. We note from our local experience that radiology can play a role in COVID-19 surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
19378688
Volume :
37
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Pan African Medical Journal
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
148217416
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2020.37.28.23081