Fighting COVID-19 in the West Africa after experiencing the Ebola epidemic

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly disseminated globally, with higher mortality in older individuals and those with pre-existing conditions.
• African countries showed lower COVID-19 expansion compared to other global regions, prompting an investigation into contributing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate six African countries (Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Guinea, Togo, Djibouti) to understand the reasons for lower Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) expansion.
• To analyze the epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and preventive strategies employed by these nations against COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based review was conducted with health officials in the selected African countries.
• Data collected covered aspects of disease exposure, epidemiology, clinical presentation, case definitions, laboratory confirmation, case management, and prevention.

Main Results:

• Low international flight volumes and reduced domestic travel significantly limited the initial spread and prevalence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• The return of immigrants contributed to the disease's dissemination within these countries.
• Previous experience with epidemics, such as the Ebola virus epidemic, fostered public health preparedness and ingrained preventive behaviors, aiding in lower disease spread.

Conclusions:

• Limited travel and established public health reflexes from prior epidemics were key factors in the low expansion of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the studied African nations.
• Preparedness and response strategies, informed by past epidemic experiences, played a crucial role in managing the pandemic.