The Need for Evidence-Informed Decision-Making during the COVID-19 Outbreak in the African Region: a Position Paper of the African Advisory Committee on Health Research and Development
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a pandemic on 11 March 2020. One month later, it has become a global emergency, given its impact on the entire world population and the economy. According to WHO situation report of 16 April 2020, the spread of COVID-19 in the AFRO region is as follows: 11, 843 cases and 559 deaths; and the situation is not showing signs of slowing down. The COVID-19 outbreak is another threat to the-already-weak health systems on the continent.
Most Heads of State and Heads of Government worldwide including Africa have declared their countries at a state of emergency with the COVID-19. Subsequently, they have committed resources to implement multifaceted strategies to fight the pandemic. Preventive measures are rolled out, including case identification and contact tracing, quar- antine and isolation, screening, and public health education on COVID19 to encourage good hand hygiene practices and physical (‘social’) distancing. In addition, strategies to lockdown several aspects of the national life are in force. General lockdowns are threatening national and local economies.
