Malawi's Response, Risk Factors, and Preparedness for COVID-19

Annabelle Gadabu
2020 Zenodo  
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is of great concern worldwide and particularly in developing countries. Emerging in China in December 2019, COVID-19 has spread rapidly to almost all continents causing numerous fatalities and economic damage. By the end of March 2020, more than 3005 cases were reported from over 40 countries across Africa. However, Malawi is amongst ten countries that had not yet recorded a case. The experiences of other countries served as a warning to the emerging country.
more » ... This paper presents an assessment of Malawi's response, risk factors, and preparedness for COVID-19 up to 31st March 2020. An evaluation of news articles, journal papers, progress reports, and other published materials was carried out. Findings show that several key initiatives were taken by the government of Malawi including a declaration of disaster, restrictions on gatherings to no more than 100 people, travel restrictions, and the promotion of sanitation and hygiene practices. However, several gaps need to be addressed for better preparation including human resource re-allocation, improvement of quarantine facilities, provision of protective gear to healthcare workers, and intensification of sensitization campaigns. Like other emerging countries, Malawi has distinctive and challenging resource constraints. Socio-economic, cultural, technical, and political factors all play a role in determining preparedness and require a comprehensive approach.
doi:10.5281/zenodo.3732795 fatcat:4j3hfarhivgnth72wsiq5jrq5i