Cry the Beloved Non-COVID Country: A Review of South African Health Care Response to COVID Pandemic

Loss of life; economic decline and healthcare systems in turmoil are the hallmarks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The world bears witness to the rising incidence of infections, death and devastation associated with the SARS CoV2 virus and Africa is not immune to this devastation.

In a bid to launch an attack on par with the developed world Africa has shifted finances and resources to the public health crisis.

A great many efforts have been employed to recruit staff, equipment, and ICU resources to prepare for the looming crisis. To liberate these necessary resources many institutions have downscaled existing services. Redirecting funds, equipment, and personnel from the prevailing plights to deal with a new horror.

There is no doubt that the impact of the novel Corona (SARS CoV2) Virus on the global community is far reaching. There is however a growing concern that the extensive focus and attention granted to COVID-19 with the resultant lack of attention given to other medical problems indigenous to the African people.

A growing concern is the extensive focus and attention granted to COVID-19 with the resultant lack of attention given to other medical problems indigenous to the African people. HIV/AIDS; TB and trauma are still the greatest assassins of the African people. The authors explore the measures taken to combat COVID-19 and the effects it will have if the non-COVID health problems are not adequately serviced.

Author(s):

Davids R, Ahmed N and Shead D

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