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COVID-19: Unpacking the low number of cases in Africa

Itai Chitungo1, Mathias Dzobo1, Mbuzeleni Hlongwa2

  • 1College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Public Health in Practice (Oxford, England)
|June 26, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Africa reported fewer coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, but this study explores if limited testing capacity or other factors explain the low numbers. Further investigation is needed to understand the true impact of COVID-19 in Africa.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic with significant mortality.
  • Africa has reported substantially fewer confirmed COVID-19 cases compared to the Americas and Europe.
  • The disparity in reported cases raises questions about the accuracy of data collection and reporting in Africa.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the reasons behind the low number of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa.
  • To investigate whether limited testing capacity due to underdeveloped health systems is the primary driver of low case counts.
  • To explore other potential factors contributing to the observed low numbers of COVID-19 cases in the African continent.

Main Methods:

  • Review of available epidemiological data on COVID-19 cases and fatalities in Africa.
  • Analysis of health system infrastructure and testing capacity across various African nations.
  • Comparative analysis of testing strategies and reporting mechanisms between Africa and other continents.

Main Results:

  • Preliminary data indicates a lower burden of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa as of August 2020.
  • Potential underestimation of cases due to challenges in widespread diagnostic testing and surveillance.
  • Health system limitations may play a role, but other contributing factors require further examination.

Conclusions:

  • The low reported numbers of COVID-19 cases in Africa may not fully reflect the actual disease burden.
  • Limited testing capacity is a significant concern, potentially masking the true extent of the pandemic on the continent.
  • Further research is essential to ascertain the precise reasons for low case ascertainment and to inform public health strategies in Africa.

Keywords:
AfricaCOVID-19Testing capacity

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