The neglected role of Faith-based Organizations in prevention and control of COVID-19 in Africa. (27th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vilakati, Phesheya Ndumiso; Villa, Simone; Alagna, Riccardo; Khumalo, Bongani; Tshuma, Sarah; Quaresima, Virginia; Nieman, Nicole Rose; Cirillo, Daniela Maria; Raviglione, Mario Carlo
• Is Part Of: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Volume 114:Number 10(2020)
• Page Start: 784
• Page End: 786
• Publication Date: 2020-08-27
• Subjects: Africa -- COVID-19 -- FBOs -- NGOs -- preparedness; Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; 616.9883
• DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/traa073
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0035-9203

Abstract

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed health system weaknesses of economically wealthy countries with advanced technologies. COVID-19 is now moving fast across Africa where small outbreaks have been reported so far. There is a concern that with the winter transmission will grow rapidly. Despite efforts of African Governments to promptly establish mitigating measures, rural areas, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, risk being neglected. In those settings, faith-based and other non-governmental organizations, if properly equipped and supported, can play a crucial role in slowing the spread of COVID-19. We describe our experience in two rural health facilities in eSwatini and Ethiopia highlighting the struggle towards preparedness and the urgency of international support to help prevent a major public health disaster.