Open AccessSocial approaches to COVID-19 pandemic response: effectiveness and practicality in sub-Saharan Africa
Author(s) -
Uchenna Anderson Amaechi,
Babasola Olufemi Sodipo,
Chukwudi A Nnaji,
Ayomide Owoyemi,
Kasarachi Omitiran,
Ijeoma Nkem OkedoAlex,
Ejemai Eboreime,
Olufemi Ajumobi
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the pan african medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.287
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 1937-8688
DOI - 10.11604/pamj.supp.2020.37.1.25183
Subject(s) - pandemic , social distance , medicine , covid-19 , public health , outbreak , development economics , disease , environmental health , economic growth , infectious disease (medical specialty) , virology , nursing , pathology , economics
the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to health systems and communities in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is enormous. Social approaches such as distancing measures are essential components of the public health response to respiratory-related infectious disease outbreaks. Due to socio-economic and broader peculiarities of SSA countries, social approaches that were effective elsewhere may have limited practicality in these contexts, and if practical; may yield different or even adverse results. We highlighted the effectiveness of these social approaches and their practicality in SSA. Methods we conducted a comprehensive literature search through multiple databases, to identify articles relevant to social distancing. Findings were thematically summarized. Results our review found emerging and varying empirical evidence on the effectiveness of social approaches in the control and mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic; thus, limiting its applicability in SSA contexts. Nonetheless, our review demonstrates that the effectiveness and practicality of social approaches in SSA contexts will depend on available resources; timing, duration, and intensity of the intervention; and compliance. Weak political coordination, anti-science sentiments, distrust of political leaders and limited implementation of legal frameworks can also affect practicality. Conclusion to overcome these challenges, tailoring and adaptation of these measures to different but unique contexts for maximum effectiveness, and investment in social insurance mechanisms, are vital.