Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria Health Services in sub-Saharan Africa – A Situation Analysis of the Disruptions and Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Background: The unprecedented and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exposed weaknesses in African
countries’ health systems. The impact of shifted focus on COVID-19 for the past 2 years on routine health
services, especially those for the epidemics of Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria, have been dramatic in
both quantity and quality.
Methods: In this article, we reflect on the COVID-19 related disruptions on the Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS
and Malaria routine health services across Africa.
Results: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in disruptions of routine health services and diversion of al-
ready limited available resources in sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, disease programs like TB, malaria and
HIV have recorded gaps in prevention and treatment with the prospects of reversing gains made towards
meeting global targets. The extent of the disruption is yet to be fully quantified at country level as most
data available is from modelling estimates before and during the pandemic.
Conclusions: Accurate country-level data is required to convince donors and governments to invest more
into revamping these health services and help prepare for managing future pandemics without disruption
of routine services. Increasing government expenditure on health is a critical part of Africa’s economic
policy. Strengthening health systems at various levels to overcome the negative impacts of COVID-19,
and preparing for future epidemics will require strong visionary political leadership. Innovations in service delivery and technological adaptations are required as countries aim to limit disruptions to routine
services.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDs, Malaria, COVID-19, Impact, Africa, Health services