Analysis of COVID-19 burden, epidemiology and mitigation strategies in Muslim majority countries

Abstract

Background: Muslim majority countries have experienced a considerable burden of COVID-19 infection. However, there has been a relative lack of research comparing COVID-19 outbreaks and responses between Muslim-majority countries. Methods: We use a mixed-methods approach to describe the course of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the Islamic world, highlight the range of non-pharmaceutical interventions used and the speed with which they were implemented, and investigate reasons behind the differing responses between Muslim-majority countries. The number of cases and deaths per million population, and the median time taken to implement a range of policies, were compared across the Islamic world. Cases per million population and the mean estimated doubling time for cases was compared between Muslim-majority countries on the basis of governance systems, rapidity of institution of mitigation strategies and conflict groups. We also evaluated pushback to implementation of measures within MMCs, especially from religious quarters. Results: Non-democratic regimes had much shorter doubling time of cases compared to functional democratic Muslim-majority countries (mean 33.9 versus 66.5 days, P = 0.002) and a significantly greater proportion of countries appeared to have flattened the curve by 1 June 2020 (43.8% versus 12.5%, P < 0.03). The doubling time was also significantly greater among countries who implemented lockdown and mitigation measures early (66.7 versus 16.7 days, P < 0.003). 1 / 13 WHO EMRO | Analysis of COVID-19 burden, epidemiology and mitigation strategies in Muslim majority co Conclusion: Our analysis indicates wide diversity in the COVID-19 response across Muslim majority countries with clear indication that functional democracies were able to contain the epidemic significantly better than nondemocratic regimes. Future analysis should focus on determination of sub-national differentials and risks as well as targeting of interventions.

Mosques in Japan Responding to COVID-19 Pandemic: Infection Prevention and Support Provision

“…The examples of support provided by mosques suggest that mosques can play a role in bridging the gap between foreign residents, especially foreign Muslims, and other stakeholders, such as the government and healthcare sectors. Most studies on mosques' responses during the COVID-19 pandemic are from Muslimmajority countries [69][70][71], whereas this study focuses on a Muslim-minority country, which helps in presenting a comprehensive international picture of responses of Muslims to the COVID-19 crisis.…”

COVID-19 and mental health: a multi-country study—the effects of lockdown on the mental health of young adults

“…Considering Pakistan, India, and Ghana are multi-ethnic countries, the compliance and response to the lockdown and the capability of populations to protect their health have varied right through. Muslim majority countries have encountered a considerable burden of COVID-19 infection [ 29 ]. According to Islamic teachings, family kinship, looking after the elderly, praying and eating meals in a congregation, and sharing the same utensils are commonly practiced, which may have increased the spread of COVID-19 among Muslim communities.…”

Mosques in Japan Responding to COVID-19 Pandemic: Infection Prevention and Support Provision

“…Government and health institutions are recommended to closely work with mosques as well as other community-based religious institutions to reduce social vulnerability, isolation, and disintegration. Most studies on mosques' responses during the COVID-19 pandemic are from Muslim-majority countries [69,70,74,75], whereas this study focuses on a Muslim-minority country, which helps in presenting a comprehensive international picture of responses of Muslims to the COVID-19 crisis.…”