This week, BMJ Global Health published two mathematical models (here and here) to predict the pattern of spread and the potential consequences of COVID-19 in Africa. These two papers are steps ahead of several other such predictive exercises in that they make deliberate effort to take into account the different ways in which people […]
Category: COVID-19
Building sustainable health financing options for emergency response: Lessons from the COVID-19 response in Africa
The ferocity with which global pandemic has affected countries globally has highlighted the importance of emergency public financing. The rapid spread of the disease requires a rapid, proactive and comprehensive approach in order to control its transmission. As such, governments need to have adequate funds availed in a timely manner to the health sector […]
COVID-19 and the Future of Global Health Research Partnerships
Those of us working in global health research, like many others, have seen our work change dramatically in the past eight weeks. Travel, both the privilege and bane of our industry, has halted indefinitely. Our work moves exclusively online. Surveys abound! Many of us are fortunate. Our work can transition online. Most of us […]
COVID-19 in Haiti – a disaster unfolding
When the first case was confirmed on March 19, Haitians were already experiencing an upsurge in gang-associated activities, a spate of kidnappings, a falling currency, weeks of school closures, and a population deeply dissatisfied with the political leadership. In the context of these chronic ills, the rapidly escalating COVID-19 in Haiti represents an existential […]
Symbolism paradox – COVID 19 as the testing ground
With the SARS-CoV-2 managing to reach practically every nation on the globe, governments are facing the biggest challenge since World War II. Most nations have resorted to a range of promotive methods such as social distancing and handwashing drives to highly restrictive methods like complete lockdowns and curfews. Irrespective of the intervention, a group […]
Political and economic determinants of health: the case of COVID-19 outcomes in Iran under sanctions
The world is living through an unprecedented evolutionary time that will affect how multilateralism and international relations work. More than ever, the direct effect of foreign policy on the health of citizens is highlighted, but perhaps no more so than in the case of Iran. While the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected […]
From Student to Newly Qualified Nurse (NQN) during Covid-19: A transition unlike any other
by Dr Jane Wray, Associate Editor Evidence-Based Nursing As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued we have become increasingly concerned about the impact on students and colleagues’ mental health and wellbeing. Research carried out without of the UK indicates that those caring directly for COVID-19 patients are at greatest risk of increased distress – reporting more […]
#GUTBlog “Speed dating” with COVID-19 and the Gut
For our next #GUTBlog, Professor El-Omar has invited our two Gut Associate Editors, Professor Siew Ng and Professor Herbert Tilg, to provide an overview of the COVID-19 related publications accepted by Gut recently. In June 2020, many of the latest COVID-19 papers are published in paper copy. “The pandemic of COVID-19 has sparked a […]
COVID -19: Why are people dying alone?
Amongst the news and social media noise relating to COVID-19 there is a persistent, heart-breaking narrative, of patients who have died alone and families unable to say goodbye. This runs contrary to our cultural beliefs and values, yet in recent months it has become the norm. In this blog I (HC) write from my […]
Trial and error in the battle against COVID-19 in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
This blog is a part of # COVID19Africa Series. Click for French version. The first line of health care is not only the primary level of care, it also ensures coordination of care and of patient information. However, in the DRC, its role seems to be in tatters due to the Congolese government’s ill-coordinated and ineffectively […]