Abstract:
Widespread vaccination provides a means for
countries to lift strict COVID-19 restrictions
previously imposed to contain the spread of the
disease. However, to date, Africa has secured
enough COVID-19 vaccine doses for less than 5% of
its population. With widespread vaccination not on
the horizon for Africa, there is a strong emphasis on
non-pharmaceutical interventions which include
movement restrictions (lockdowns). This general
COVID-19 pandemic response of imposing
lockdowns, however, neglects to factor in non-fatal
consequences leading to disruption socio-economic
wellbeing of the society at large. The economy in
most African countries can no longer sustain
lockdown restrictions. Some studies have indicated
that a hard lockdown statistical value of the extra
lives saved would be dwarfed by its long-term cost.
At the same time not responding to the threat of the
pandemic will cost lives and disrupts the social
fabric. This paper proffers ways to mitigate the both
and advocate for better policymaking that
addresses specific challenges in defined
communities thus yield higher population welfare.
