COVID-19 waves in Africa: Effects of outbreak response and interventions

Authors

  • Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi University of Ibadan
  • Aanuoluwapo Adeyimika Afolabi University of Ibadan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31646/gbio.104

Keywords:

Coronavirus, COVID-19, COVID-19 control measures, Public health safety measures, Africa.

Abstract

Introduction: Public health safety measures have been advocated for towards the effective containment of COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the effects of public health safety measures (PHSM) implemented during different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa.

 

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the COVID-19 control measures implemented across Africa. We extracted and collated data on COVID-19 cases, deaths, and stringency level (SL) from online data repositories between 18 July, 2020 and 18 December, 2020 in Africa.

 

Results: In the South African region, COVID-19 cases increased when there was partial closure of work sectors (SL = 41.67), but decreased with complete closure of work sectors (SL=46.30) in South Africa. In North Africa, COVID-19 cases increased when there was limited contact tracing (SL = 23.15), but decreased with comprehensive contact tracing (SL = 75.00) in Tunisia. In West Africa, COVID-19 cases increased when there was partial school closure (SL = 50.93), but decreased with complete school closure (SL = 65.74) in Nigeria. In East Africa, COVID-19 cases increased when contact tracing was limited (SL = 28.70), but decreased with comprehensive contact tracing (SL = 51.85) in Sudan. In Central Africa, COVID-19 cases increased when there was partial school closure (SL = 43.52), but decreased with complete school closure (SL = 56.48) in Congo.

 

Conclusion: PHSM should be intensified to ensure the effective containment of COVID-19 in Africa. Evidence-based decisions should be made by policy makers and contextualized in each African country as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.

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Published

2021-04-08

How to Cite

Ilesanmi, O. S., & Afolabi, A. A. (2021). COVID-19 waves in Africa: Effects of outbreak response and interventions. Global Biosecurity, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.31646/gbio.104

Issue

Vol. 3 (2021)

Section

Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2021 The Author(s)

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Received 2021-01-20
Accepted 2021-02-17
Published 2021-04-08