1.C. Workshop: COVID-19 and strategies to improve pandemic preparedness in Africa: Results of 4 systematic reviews

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on mortality and health service utilisation globally. However, its impact in low- and lower middle-income countries (LLMIC), in particular in sub-Saharan Africa, remains poorly understood. The German West-African Centre (G-WAC) for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention aims to contribute to a better understanding of the pandemic and to strengthen pandemic preparedness in the region. OBJECTIVES: The workshop aims to provide an overview of available research on four aspects that are key for understanding the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa and to support improved pandemic preparedness in the region: (1) the impact of the pandemic on excess mortality, (2) the changes in health services utilisation, (3) the different strategies that support community engagement, and (4) the role of mHealth tools for community-based disease surveillance. Together with workshop participants, we intend to discuss challenges and opportunities for research on the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa and the potential for research to contribute to better pandemic preparedness. We also wish to receive input for the further research agenda of G-WAC. ADDED VALUE: The workshop will bring together the findings of four systematic reviews that provide complementary evidence contributing to a better understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. It will provide a platform for researchers engaged in related work in Africa or Europe to share their experiences and to contribute to shaping the future research agenda of G-WAC. COHERENCE OF WORKSHOP: Following a brief introduction explaining the underlying research concept that links the four systematic reviews, results will be presented for: (1) a systematic review and meta-analysis of excess mortality, reporting pooled excess mortality estimates; (2) a scoping review illustrating the range of approaches and settings where research has been conducted on health service utilisation during the pandemic; (3) a scoping review of the various strategies that have been used to foster community engagement to strengthen infection control activities; and (4) a scoping review of different mobile phone-based tools that support Community Health Workers engaged in infectious disease surveillance. FORMAT: This is a regular workshop consisting of four brief (7 mins) presentations. Each presentation will be followed by 5 mins discussions, giving room to the audience for questions and comments that relate findings to previous research experiences. Another 10 mins are reserved at the end to discuss further research needs. Several polling rounds will engage the audience and collect input on (a) research experiences in sub-Saharan Africa, (b) reflections about the relevance of presented results, and (c) suggestions for further research. KEY MESSAGES: • The workshop will summarise existing evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality and health service utilisation in sub-Saharan Africa. • Community participation may support improved pandemic preparedness and response by contributing to early detection of outbreaks and the successful implementation of infection control activities.