A call for strengthened evidence on targeted, non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 for the protection of vulnerable individuals in sub-Saharan Africa. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Colebunders, Robert; Siewe Fodjo, Joseph Nelson; Vanham, Guido; Van den Bergh, Rafael
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 99(2020)
• Page Start: 482
• Page End: 484
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Prevention -- Sub-Saharan Africa -- Transmission -- Mortality -- Risk factors; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.08.060
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Curbing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, may be difficult in sub-Saharan Africa. Overall COVID-19-related mortality remains low because of the young population. Protecting vulnerable individuals from severe disease should be a priority. Abstract: Following the easing of lockdown measures in many sub-Saharan African countries, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases have been on the rise. As the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, may be difficult to stop in these settings, we propose that the existing COVID-19 prevention strategies aimed at reducing overall transmission are complemented with more targeted strategies to protect people at risk of severe COVID-19 disease. We suggest investigating the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of distributing COVID-19 prevention kits to households with persons at increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease.