| Autor: |
Wallace LJ; Dodowa Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana. lauren.jean.wallace@gmail.com., Nouvet E; School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada., Bortolussi R; Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada., Arthur JA; Public Health Unit, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana., Amporfu E; Department of Economics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana., Arthur E; Department of Economics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana., Barimah KB; Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong Akuapem, Eastern Region, Ghana., Bitouga BA; Department of Anthropology, The University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon., Chemusto H; Research and Development, Mildmay Uganda, Kampala, Uganda., Ikechebelu J; Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria., Joe-Ikechebelu N; University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada., Kondé MK; la Fondation Santé & Développement Durable (FOSAD), Conakry, Guinea., Kabakambira JD; Department of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda., Kalombe GK; Kinshasa School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo., Karanja DMS; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya., Konje ET; Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania., Kouyate S; Général Lansana Conté University Sonfonia, Conakry, Guinea., Limeneh G; School of Social Work and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia., Mulopo FM; University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo., Ndu M; School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada., Ochomo E; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya., Francis O; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda., Thiongane O; Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada., Seni J; Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania., Sheriff SM; Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons, Monrovia, Liberia., Singini D; Limulunga District Health Office, Limulunga, Western Province, Zambia. |
| Abstrakt: |
This commentary draws on sub-Saharan African health researchers' accounts of their countries' responses to control the spread of COVID-19, including social and health impacts, home-grown solutions, and gaps in knowledge. Limited human and material resources for infection control and lack of understanding or appreciation by the government of the realities of vulnerable populations have contributed to failed interventions to curb transmission, and further deepened inequalities. Some governments have adapted or limited lockdowns due to the negative impacts on livelihoods and taken specific measures to minimize the impact on the most vulnerable citizens. However, these measures may not reach the majority of the poor. Yet, African countries' responses to COVID-19 have also included a range of innovations, including diversification of local businesses to produce personal protective equipment, disinfectants, test kits, etc., which may expand domestic manufacturing capabilities and deepen self-reliance. African and high-income governments, donors, non-governmental organizations, and businesses should work to strengthen existing health system capacity and back African-led business. Social scientific understandings of public perceptions, their interactions with COVID-19 control measures, and studies on promising clinical interventions are needed. However, a decolonizing response to COVID-19 must include explicit and meaningful commitments to sharing the power-the authority and resources-to study and endorse solutions. |
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