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Covid 19 in sub-Saharan Africa: Is it the calm before the storm?
  • FLORY MUANDA,
  • Maëlle Dandjinou,
  • Hugues Sampasa- Kanyinga
FLORY MUANDA
Western University Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Maëlle Dandjinou
University of Montreal Faculty of Pharmacy
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Hugues Sampasa- Kanyinga
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Abstract

We proposed several hypotheses to explain the low rate of Covid19 in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). The small number of people tested for Covid19, a younger population, higher immunity to covid19, and seasonality emerged as potential factors influencing the Covid 19 rate in SSA. Rigorous responses to covid19 to flatten the curve are urgently needed and will include (1) a substantial increase of Covid19 testing and the use of cellphone location to trace contact, (2) complete lockdowns with social distancing measures followed by an assessment of the impact of those interventions to flatten the curve, (3) the use of prior experience with Ebola outbreak to increase awareness about the Covid-19 and its fatal complications, (4) warnings about potential side effects associated with the use of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine with azithromycin and (5) the maintenance of essential health services