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COVID-19 and gender in low-income and middle-income countries: Potential lessons from the HIV pandemic

The Novel Coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome is a public health concern that has resulted in over 4.6 million cases globally, with more than 311,000 deaths as of May 2020 [1]. The impact of COVID-19 on low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) is still unknown but could be catastrophic [2]. Already crippled by weak economies and a history of HIV, COVID-19 could be a devastating blow to the fragile healthcare systems of these countries. Kenya, for example, is a country with a population of 50 million people and only 200 intensive care (ICU) beds countrywide [1]. In comparison, the United States (US), with 34 ICU beds for every 100,000 people, has been overwhelmed by COVID-19 [1].

We highlight the strain that the outbreak could impose on LMICs, which are already burdened by a 30-year history of fighting HIV/AIDS. Approximately 38 million people are currently living with HIV globally [3]; 70% of these people live in the SSA region [4]. COVID-19 has impacted all continents, with over 90% of deaths occurring in the wealthiest countries [5]; however, a disturbing trend observed in the US is that the poor and minority populations are disproportionately impacted [2]. Similar trends were observed in the HIV transmissions over the years [6]. Without enough kits and proper surveillance networks to trace and quarantine infected people, many LMICs will struggle to contain this pandemic. We outline four ways that COVID-19 may be devastating for SSA, which has borne the brunt of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, malaria and AIDS. Drawing from the current literature, we suggest solutions in COVID-19 mitigations for LMICs…

Small, E., Sharma, B. B., & Nikolova, S. P. (2020). Covid-19 and Gender in LMICs: Potential Lessons from HIV Pandemic. AIDS and Behavior, 1.

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Gender Working Group

We meet online on the third Wednesday of every month to discuss key issues, activities, opportunities, and ideas for collaboration. We have a long and growing list of resources on gender and COVID-19.

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COVID-19 and gender in low-income and middle-income countries: Potential lessons from the HIV pandemic

Gender Working Group

We meet online on the third Wednesday of every month to discuss key issues, activities, opportunities, and ideas for collaboration. We have a long and growing list of resources on gender and COVID-19.

JOIN US >

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