The formidable task of fighting COVID-19 in Sudan

Pan Afr Med J. 2020 Aug 7;35(Suppl 2):137. doi: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2020.35.137.24984. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Sudan is facing a formidable task of fighting COVID-19. The country is suddenly challenged by this health issue that will test its path towards peace, stability, and development. The fragile task of handling COVID-19 epidemic in Sudan is brought about by several factors such as the weak healthcare system and political conflicts, that have been intertwined with the recent regime. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was already high unemployment, soaring inflation and lack of social protection and safety nets for its populace. The government has been trying its best to address the pandemic, however, much still needs to be done. Neglecting Sudan by the international community in terms of support towards containment of COVID-19 has grievous implications for transition out of military dictatorship and efforts to curb the pandemic globally. As no country is safe if all is not safe. It is essential that Sudan should leverage on innovations, country-compatible measures, and other tailor-made strategies for effective responses.

Keywords: Africa; COVID-19; Public Health; Sudan; challenges; responses.

MeSH terms

  • Armed Conflicts
  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Coronavirus Infections / transmission
  • Developing Countries
  • Food Supply
  • Health Policy
  • Health Priorities
  • Health Resources / supply & distribution
  • Humans
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / transmission
  • Poverty
  • Refugees
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Social Conditions
  • Sudan / epidemiology
  • Travel-Related Illness