COVID-19: implications for NCDs and the continuity of care in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Glob Health Promot
; 28(2): 83-86, 2021 06.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1083250
ABSTRACT
There has been a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), driven by westernization, urbanization and unhealthy lifestyles. The prevalence of NCDs and their risk factors vary considerably in SSA between countries and the various sub-populations. A study documented the prevalence of stroke ranging from 0.07 to 0.3%, diabetes mellitus from 0 to 16%, hypertension from 6 to 48%, obesity from 0.4 to 43%, and current smoking from 0.4 to 71%. The numbers of these NCD cases are predicted to rise over the next decade. However, in the context of a global pandemic such as COVID-19, with the rising cases, lockdowns and deaths recorded worldwide, many people living with NCDs may find accessing care more difficult. The majority of the available resources on the subcontinent have been diverted to focus on the ongoing pandemic. This has caused interruptions in care, complication management, drug pick-up alongside the almost neglected silent NCD epidemic, with major consequences for the health system post the COVID-19 era. We explore the issues surrounding the continuity of care and offer some solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Continuity of Patient Care
/
Noncommunicable Diseases
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Glob Health Promot
Journal subject:
Education
/
Public Health
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
1757975921992693
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