Epidemiological profile study of COVID-19 in West African countries: Nigeria, Senegal, Mauritania, Cape Verde and Mali

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic was first reported in West Africa on 27 February 2020 in Nigeria. It subsequently spread to other countries in the region. The objective of this study is to analyze the epidemiological profile of COVID-19 in West Africa from the first reported case to 31 January 2021. Method: We publicly used available data from reliable sources and from the COVID-19R package. We used epidemic curves to describe the trends in the daily evolution of confirmed cases and deaths of COVID-19 in West Africa and specifically in the five countries. The reproduction rate and evolution rates were calculated from these trends. Results: As of 31 January 2021, West Africa had 342,938 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 4,496 deaths. Nigeria had 131,242 cases with 1,586 deaths. Senegal had 26,523 cases with 628 deaths. The case-fatality rate in Mali was 4.08% and the attack rate in Cape Verde was 2587 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In Nigeria, Senegal, Mauritania and Mali, the epidemic curves supported by the evolution rates showed an increase in confirmed cases and deaths of COVID-19 during December 2020 and January 2021 compared to the last two months. The effective reproduction rates (Re) inferred a slowdown in virus transmission (Re < 1) in these countries except for Senegal. Conclusion: The results showed that COVID-19 was still circulating in some West African countries in late 2020 and early 2021. By improving the health system and with context-specific public health interventions and vaccination, these countries should effectively control COVID-19. Keywords: Epidemiology, COVID-19, West Africa, Countries

Will Cape Verde attain COVID‐19 herd immunity? Progress, Challenges, and Recommendations

“…Most available vaccines were only authorized for use in individuals aged 16 and above, necessitating continuous education and awareness campaigns among the adult population [25]. Vaccine availability and logistical issues posed a significant threat in low‐income countries like Cape Verde, with reports of vaccines nearing their expiry dates upon arrival due to the short shelf life of vaccines distributed through COVAX [9]. This resulted in vaccine wastage before reaching the intended areas of disbursement and collection, particularly in rural communities [25].…”

“…Strategies such as limiting contact, social isolation, contact tracing, and vaccination were adopted to manage the pandemic. By January 2021, the COVID‐19 attack rate was at 2.6% of the population [9]. In 2022, there was a resurgence of cases attributed to the easing of restrictions, the evolution of the novel virus strains, and the lack of vaccines at the time.…”

“…Cape Verde received its first vaccine supply in March 2021, later than many other countries, highlighting supply security as a fundamental challenge [24]. In low‐income countries, such as Cape Verde, vaccine unavailability and high costs, coupled with financial gaps, hindered access to vaccines [9]. Although more doses arrived in May 2021, vaccination efforts initially focused on priority target groups [23].…”