IDI CoVID-19 Science Summary 16th-22nd May 2020

IDI CoVID-19 Science Summary 16th-22nd May 2020

To date, 53 African countries have reported 75,498 cases (12,739 in South Africa) and 2,561 deaths. Africa's younger population is an advantage but her fragile health systems may buckle under the strain. Stringent public health measures may have slowed the spread of COVID-19 in Africa. However, lives lost to lockdown may exceed those saved from COVID-19. Unintended lockdown consequences include economic disruption, food insecurity, interruptions in HIV, TB and NCD treatment, and adverse mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, PTSD and violence). Dr. Andrew Mujugira's summary highlights effects of lockdowns in Africa and more