Nyasulu, Juliet Charity Yauka, Munthali, Richard Junganiko, Nyondo-Mipando, Alinane Linda, Pandya, Himani, Nyirenda, Laywell, Nyasulu, Peter Suwirakwenda and Manda, Samuel
(2021)
COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi: Did public sociopolitical events gatherings contribute to its first-wave local transmission?
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES, 106.
pp. 269-275.
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COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi Did public sociopolitical events gatherings contribute to its first-wave local transmission.pdf - Other Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
<h4>Introduction</h4>The COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi emerged amidst widespread anti-government demonstrations and subsequent mass gatherings. This paper describes the incidence and factors associated with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi.<h4>Methodology</h4>This was a retrospective study of public data analysing geopolitical and immigration activities that occurred between 02 April and 08 September 2020. The Chi-square test of independence was used to tabulate sex and age-related fatality ratios among deaths due to COVID-19-related complications.<h4>Results</h4>The drivers for COVID-19 spread were mass gatherings secondary to the country's political landscape and repatriation of citizens from high-risk areas coupled with minimum use of public health interventions. The prevalence was higher in people aged 50-59 years, males and in urban areas. Men had an increased risk of COVID-19-related deaths (Case Fatality Ratio: 1.58 (95% CI 1.11-2.22) compared with women. Furthermore, men and women aged ≥40 years were 16.1 times and 7.1 times more likely to die of COVID-related complications, respectively. Men aged ≥40 years had a 62% increased risk of deaths compared with women of the same age group.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Mass political gatherings and cross-border immigration from high-risk areas were drivers for infection. Males, older age and urban residence were associated with increased COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. To control the spread of COVID-19 there is a need to regulate mass gatherings and repatriation of citizens, and strengthen the use of preventive health interventions. Men, the older age groups and urban areas should be prioritised for COVID-19 prevention strategies.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Incidence, COVID19, Public and social events, Political events, Malawi |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 27 Jun 2023 10:31 |
| Last Modified: | 27 Jun 2023 10:31 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.055 |
| Related URLs: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3171291 |
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