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The COVID-19 pandemic in the African continent

Authors :
Godfrey Bwire
Alex Riolexus Ario
Patricia Eyu
Felix Ocom
Joseph F. Wamala
Kwadwo A. Kusi
Latif Ndeketa
Kondwani C. Jambo
Rhoda K. Wanyenze
Ambrose O. Talisuna
Source :
BMC Medicine, Vol 20, Iss 1, Pp 1-23 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
BMC, 2022.

Abstract

Abstract In December 2019, a new coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and associated disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was identified in China. This virus spread quickly and in March, 2020, it was declared a pandemic. Scientists predicted the worst scenario to occur in Africa since it was the least developed of the continents in terms of human development index, lagged behind others in achievement of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), has inadequate resources for provision of social services, and has many fragile states. In addition, there were relatively few research reporting findings on COVID-19 in Africa. On the contrary, the more developed countries reported higher disease incidences and mortality rates. However, for Africa, the earlier predictions and modelling into COVID-19 incidence and mortality did not fit into the reality. Therefore, the main objective of this forum is to bring together infectious diseases and public health experts to give an overview of COVID-19 in Africa and share their thoughts and opinions on why Africa behaved the way it did. Furthermore, the experts highlight what needs to be done to support Africa to consolidate the status quo and overcome the negative effects of COVID-19 so as to accelerate attainment of the SDGs.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
17417015
Volume :
20
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
BMC Medicine
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.5b49590358d342d8bf0990414071b740
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-022-02367-4