WORLD Policy Analysis Center
POLICY BRIEF: SEPTEMBER 2021
● In many countries throughout Africa, COVID-19 vaccines are still not widely available.
● Until vaccines are widely available, the World Health Organization recommends prevention techniques to reduce the spread of COVID-19 like physical distancing, hand washing, and wearing masks in public places.
● Studies suggest that physical distancing and wearing facemasks may reduce the transmission of COVID-19 by at least 80%, and when these measures are not maintained, it has resulted in more people becoming infected with COVID-19.
● Nearly a billion people in Africa live in conditions that make it difficult or impossible to implement these measures putting them at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
Across Africa:
Barriers to Physical Distancing
● 718 million people live in households with 6 or more people at home
● 283 million people live in households with 3 or more people sleeping in a single room
● 45% of people lack or share toilet facilities with other households making quarantine and isolation when exposed or sick infeasible.
● Over 245 million people live in multigenerational households where at least one person is over 60 years old and thus at greater risk.
Barriers to handwashing
● 890 million Africans lack water at their dwelling/plot
● Including more than 70% of people in 27 countries in Africa
● 700 million people lack soap/washing facilities in their homes
● Including more than 70% of people in 16 countries in Africa
Conclusion and Recommendations
● Overall, there are substantial obstacles for many people throughout Africa to implementing preventive measures to mitigate COVID-19 transmission.
● This includes barriers to quarantining, isolating, maintaining physical distancing, and routine handwashing.
● Given the number and severity of obstacles to implementing prevention measures for many African households, African countries must be urgently prioritized for vaccines.
● It is also important to address the underlying causes of poverty that place certain populations more at-risk of contracting COVID-19.
ABOUT WORLD
The WORLD Policy Analysis Center (WORLD) aims to improve the quantity and quality of globally comparative data on policies affecting health, development, well-being, and equity. With these data, WORLD informs policy debates; facilitates comparative studies of policy progress, feasibility, and effectiveness; and advances efforts to hold decision-makers accountable.
ABOUT THE DATA
For full data cited in this brief as well as references to other related research, please see:
Brewer TF, Zhang M, Gordon D, Chung RYN, Dejene N, Fonta CL, Grieve T, Hallerod B, Harris R, Lanau A, Leibbrandt M, Medonen Y, Muguni B, Najera H, Nandy S, and Heymann SJ. Housing, Sanitation and Living Conditions Affecting SARS-CoV-2 Prevention Interventions in 54 African Countries. Epidemiology & Infection. July 2021.
