Food Security and COVID-19 in Africa: Implications and Recommendations

Mohamed, Esraa Mahadi Ali; Abdallah, Samar Mohammed Alhaj; Ahmadi, Attaullah; Lucero‐Prisno, Don Eliseo

doi:10.4269/ajtmh.20-1590

Cited by 40 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…12 This is in addition to worsening food shortages and rising prices in the African market due to lockdown measures, further endangering refugees’ already precarious food supply. 13 …”

Section: The Impact Of Covid-19 On Refugees In the Global Southmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 and its threat to refugees in Africa

Manirambona

Wilkins

Lucero‐Prisno

2021

Health Promot Perspect

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Although it is widely accepted that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has adversely affected the Global South’s most vulnerable refugee communities, they have received little attention. There have been gaps in testing, which is fundamental to treat and isolate patients and make data-driven decisions to protect the refugee community. Therefore, it is imperative to holistically implement policies to curtail COVID-19 in refugee camps to ensure that refugees are safe and protected from the pandemic. Processes for timely diagnosis and treatment, quick isolation and contact tracing are essential to keep refugees safe. Furthermore, it is crucial to encourage protective behaviours and raise awareness about hygiene and social prevention to dampen disease transmission. Refugees in the Global South have been disproportionately affected by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, facing financial hardship and social injustice throughout. Refugees in Africa have also faced threats to their security, being subjected to torture, disappearance, or even killings in their host countries. The pandemic has exposed gender inequalities, with females being the most affected, and health inequities in the refugee community in Africa. There is a need for international organizations like the African Union, United Nations (UN) agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders to take serious action regarding the refugee situation in Africa. Food aid for refugees in Africa should be increased as quickly as possible and refugees’ security must be guaranteed. Of equal importance, there must be justice for the death or disappearance of refugees. It is imperative to end discrimination against refugees and support the promotion of gender equity.

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“…12 This is in addition to worsening food shortages and rising prices in the African market due to lockdown measures, further endangering refugees’ already precarious food supply. 13 …”

Section: The Impact Of Covid-19 On Refugees In the Global Southmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 and its threat to refugees in Africa

Manirambona

Wilkins

Lucero‐Prisno

2021

Health Promot Perspect

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“…Several efforts to mitigate this crisis are underway with a focus on diversification of the economy, provision of basic needs to disadvantaged communities in rural areas, and a balance between health measures and economic implications. Such efforts have been implemented in Africa 20 and Afghanistan in the past; however, new barriers, including strict border control, suspension of flights, and civil unrest, have complicated access. Hence, initiatives to cooperate with neighboring nations are underway.…”

Section: Efforts and Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Food Security, Conflict, and COVID-19: Perspective from Afghanistan

Islam

Kokash

Babar

et al. 2022

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

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Afghanistan, a country challenged by war and conflicts, has been in a state of turmoil for several years. The prolonged suffering has brought many challenges to the country’s inhabitants. Among these, food security is one important cause for concern. Food security occurs when people continuously have physical and economic access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary requirements and food preferences for a functional and healthy life. Amid the pandemic, Afghanistan has witnessed a large increase in food shortages due to its dependence on neighboring countries. In light of current circumstances, food insecurity, coupled with political instability and the third wave of the COVID-19, have made it extremely hard for people to access daily provisions. Hence, people are left to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic with economic recession and poverty as the backdrop of the other health crises. To mitigate food security, international attempts are the required at this critical juncture. The aim of this article is to understand the causes leading to food insecurity and its implications in Afghanistan and to propose solutions that will improve the overall food security at the policy and implementation levels.

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“…COVID-19, and the lockdown it has induced, has caused major disruptions in food supply chains partially due to lack of transportation and accessibility for farming communities [87]. Those South Africans who are insecure in their access to food and depend on social programs have seen cuts to these programs during the pandemic [88]. The lockdown also affected South Africa's struggles with alcohol abuse.…”

Section: Limitations and Implications For Future Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Racial disparities in psychological distress in post-apartheid South Africa: results from the SANHANES-1 survey

Harriman

Williams

Morgan

et al. 2021

Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol

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Purpose South Africa has long endured a high prevalence of mental disorders at the national level, and its unique social and historical context could be a contributor to an increased risk of mental health problems. Our current understanding is limited regarding the relative importance of various social determinants to mental health challenges in South Africa, and how existing racial inequities may be explained by these determinants. Methods This study attempted to elucidate potential social determinants of mental health in South Africa using data from the nationally representative South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1). The main outcome of interest was psychological distress, measured with the Kessler-10 scale. Hierarchical linear regression models included covariates for demographic and socioeconomic factors, count of traumatic events, and a series of stress-related constructs. Analyses were conducted on two populations: the entire sample (n = 15,981), and the African subpopulation (n = 10,723). Results Regression models on the entire sample indicated racial disparities in psychological distress, with Africans experiencing higher distress than White and Coloured individuals. Results within the African sub-population indicated geo-spatial disparities, with Africans in formal urban settings experiencing higher psychological distress than those living in formal and informal rural locales. Across both samples, results indicated a cumulative association between count of stressors and traumatic events and distress. ConclusionWe found racial disparities across several mental health-related domains. Africans had greater exposure to traumatic events, social stressors, and psychological distress. This research is a necessary foundation for public health interventions and policy change to effectively reduce inequities in psychological distress.

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Food Security and COVID-19 in Africa: Implications and Recommendations

Cited by 40 publications

References 11 publications

COVID-19 and its threat to refugees in Africa

COVID-19 and its threat to refugees in Africa

Food Security, Conflict, and COVID-19: Perspective from Afghanistan

Racial disparities in psychological distress in post-apartheid South Africa: results from the SANHANES-1 survey

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