Whereas the Ebola epidemic has strengthened health surveillance systems, Covid-19 has not spared Africa’s health systems, severely impacting the continuity of care for the most vulnerable individuals. According to figures from the continent’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), as of April 4, 2022, Africa has had more than 11 million cases of infection since the beginning of the pandemic and 251,371 deaths.
WHO statistics estimate the actual death rate to be 7 times higher, mainly due to a very large number of asymptomatic patients and under-detection. Although the continent has been less affected in terms of deaths, challenges remain to be met in order to effectively fight the pandemic, including the management of severe cases, access to oxygen, screening of suspected cases, vaccination of the population and the implementation of protective, hygienic and preventive measures in health facilities.
In this context, Solthis’ objective is to continue to invest in the fight against emerging diseases in order to support and develop the resilience of health systems and ensure the continuity of care in its countries of intervention. Solthis’ response to Covid-19 thus targets the following priorities:
- diagnosing and managing cases of Covid-19 ;
- adapting essential services during an epidemic crisis to allow for continuity of care, especially for chronic diseases;
- strengthening prevention, including strengthening hygiene and infection control in health systems and the community, education, and vaccination.
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Find answers to frequently asked questions about the pandemic.
Learn more about our COVID-19 pandemic response and 2021 results
