ABSTRACT
Background: The purpose of the study was to outline the genomic and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in South Asian countries as well as the diagnosis, treatments, and prevention approaches undertaken by these countries to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: We searched electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus as well as various national and international COVID-19 websites, WHO databases, and electronic media. 63 articles were included from databases and 34 articles from various other sources.Results: Scientists observed genomic variations including common mutations in ORF1ab, ORF1a, ORF3a, and S genes, while several unique mutations exist in most isolates from these countries. Demographic analysis showed that the majority of infected individuals were male and younger adults (20e40 years). India had the highest number of deaths and incidents while Afghanistan had the highest fatality rate (4.37%). Various molecular assays including rRT-PCR, antigen and antibody-based assays have been developed and pre-existing treatments have been used to combat the pandemic. Although every country tried to implement imperative preventive measures along with vaccination drives, many of them still face grave repercussions due to impoverished health systems, underdeveloped infrastructures, and improvident government policies.Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first review appraising various features of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 that persists in South Asia and strategies undertaken by the countries to tackle the disease. This review will facilitate timely interventions for future novel outbreaks in the region.
ABSTRACT
Lack of trust in public health institutions hinders pandemic management. Our aim was to determine levels of impersonal and interpersonal trust in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic response in Bangladesh. As this mixed-methods research was conducted during the pandemic, data was gathered via an online survey involving 508 respondents, along with seven online focus group discussions with 50 purposively selected participants. Survey respondents have less trust in the health system than in the service providers. The lowest level of trust was observed in the Fairness content area of trust. While some non-clinical participants blamed doctors for shying away from caregiving during the pandemic, most praised them for providing care, risking their lives, and even sacrificing their lives in the process. Several participants also cited a lack of fairness in pandemic management, such as visible attempts by the decision-makers to protect the business interests without consideration for the safety of the poor. However, both clinicians and non-clinicians concurred on the need for the service providers to improve communication related to COVID-19 management. Health sector stewards in Bangladesh should take a science-based, equity-focused pandemic response to gain both impersonal and interpersonal trust and build a resilient health system in the long run. © 2021, Mahidol University - ASEAN Institute for Health Development. All rights reserved.