Effects of COVID-19 in South African health system and society: An explanatory study

Abstract

Background and aims The underestimation of the severity of COVID-19 by the South African government resulted in delayed action against the pandemic. Ever since WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic preventive action was comprehensively upgraded worldwide. This prompted South African authorities to implement physical distancing, self-isolation, closure of non-essential services, schools, travelling restrictions and recursive national lockdowns to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. This explanatory study sought to review the effects of COVID-19 in the South African health system and society. Methods The study applied literature research of COVID-19 reports, policies from the National Department of Health, WHO, Africa CDC, and articles from Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed. Results The South African health system is affected by the lack of PPEs, increased mortality rates, mental health problems, substance abuse, resurgent of NCDs. The closure of international borders, global demand meltdown, supply disruptions, dramatic scaling down of human and industrial activities during lockdown cause socio-economic problems. The prolonged effects of lockdown on psychosocial support services resulted in the outbursts of uncertainties, acute panic, fear, depression, obsessive behaviours, social unrests, stigmatization, anxiety, increased gender-based violence cases and discrimination in the distribution of relief food aid. Conclusion To slow down the spread of COVID-19, massive testing must be adopted, contact tracing, isolation, and home quarantine guidelines for asymptomatic cases which promote behavioural change and reviewing of policy on food relief.

Health Inequalities During COVID-19 and Their Effects on Morbidity and Mortality

“…This, in turn, may create a vicious cycle which would exacerbate the poor health outcomes for the underprivileged members of the society. 37 …”

A critical review of emerging technologies for tackling COVID ‐19 pandemic

“…COVID‐19 is severe in countries that experience a tremendous shortage of reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) COVID‐19 testing kit, detection, screening, and tracking tools which increase the chances of spreading the disease. As of November 10, 2020, there are no approved treatments for COVID‐19, thus current measures rely on prevention, surveillance, and containment (Mbunge, 2020). Globally, physical distancing, social distancing, hands sanitization, regular temperature testing, wearing of nose and face mask, as well as handwashing, have been implemented as interventions to combat the spread of COVID‐19 (Mehtar, Wolfgang, Ndèye, & Abdoulaye, 2020) but the major challenge lies on the weak health‐care systems, financial burden, overcrowding, community behavior, poverty, and COVID‐19 preparedness and response plan.…”

Impact of COVID-19 on Malaria Elimination: Juxtaposing Indoor Residual Spraying and Mobile Phones in Buhera Rural District, Zimbabwe

“…Owing to this proliferation, mobile phones especially short messaging service (SMS) could be utilized to promote and market IRS programme and campaigns in malaria hotspots area and high-risk population in Buhera rural district. Applying mobile phones in malaria prevention and control strategies can enhance case detection, monitoring, surveillance as well as strengthening information, education, and communication activities and campaigns while maintaining COVID-19 regulations [60]. However, with technology, it is common that functionalities of gadgets are underutilized (people know how to receive and make calls only)implying owners require more education on how to maximize utilization of their gadgets.…”