Was the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa underestimated?
- Author:
Tope M. Ipinnimo
;
Rita O. Alabi
;
Esther O. Ajidahun
;
Ireoluwa O. Adeniyi
;
Ayokunle O. Adedipe
;
Olabode Ekerin
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Africa, COVID-19, Impact, Pandemic, Underestimated
- From:
Pacific Journal of Medical Sciences
2023;24(1):14-22
- CountryPapua New Guinea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has had a profound impact on the world. At the time of writing this article, almost 760 million cases have been confirmed globally with over 6.5 million deaths recorded. Africa had lower numbers of confirmed cases and deaths as compared to other regions despite initial fears of the devastating effect that the pandemic would have on the vulnerable continent. Many theories exist to explain why this was so. However, low testing rates, amidst other factors, have raised concerns about the possible underestimation of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in Africa.
