Healthcare systems all over the world are at the brink at the moment. The number of COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the globe causing panic especially in African Countries.
Healthcare workers continue to face anxiety as many of them lack the necessary PPE. A steep decline was noted in the number of patients visiting healthcare facilities and most elective cases were put on hold. Without patients, health services like visitations and surgeries, which form the backbone of hospitals’ earnings, cannot be conducted and hospitals are put in financial distress. While many have responded swiftly by enacting measures to slow the spread of the pandemic, many also lack the capacity to test for Covid-19. Some of them have embarked on local production of the PPE’s while others have spent more on personal protective equipment (PPE), isolation capacity and supplies for treating respiratory illnesses, increasing their cost.
Generally, the economic disruption has reduced the ability of individuals to pay for healthcare. Infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, are reminders that health and medical research is very important. It is an indication that we are not indomitable and have a long way to go in understanding not only the human body but how it reacts to and manifests different diseases.
To learn more about COVID-19 and the current situation please visit the WHO website on https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus-covid-19
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