Preface
Africa’s Knowledge Bridge stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of researchers striving to comprehend the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In the wake of the unprecedented global crisis, this book emerges as a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted repercussions experienced by the region, encompassing mental health, demographic disparities, vaccine perceptions, and compliance with public health measures.
The scope of this book extends beyond mere observation, delving deep into the heart of the pandemic’s effects on SSA through diverse methodologies including web-based surveys, cross-sectional studies, and thematic interviews. By gathering data from SSA residents, diaspora, healthcare workers, and specific demographic groups, this research paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced and the resilience displayed by communities across the region.
Research in this field is of paramount importance due to the critical need to understand the unique dynamics of the pandemic in SSA. With varying impacts observed across different regions and demographics, it becomes imperative to discern the underlying factors contributing to these disparities and formulate targeted interventions to address them effectively.
The escalation of research in this field reflects a collective commitment to confront the challenges posed by the pandemic head-on. As the world grapples with the evolving nature of the crisis, scholars and practitioners alike are driven by a shared sense of urgency to generate knowledge that can inform evidence-based responses and mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations. Motivated by the pressing need to bridge the knowledge gap surrounding the pandemic’s effects on SSA, this book originated from a Symposium Series dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and healthcare providers. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the symposium aimed to catalyze innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing the region.
What makes Africa’s Knowledge Bridge unusual and worth reading lies in its nuanced exploration of the pandemic’s impacts from various angles, ranging from mental health implications to vaccine-related insights and prevailing beliefs and perceptions. By shedding light on these interconnected issues, this book offers a holistic understanding of the pandemic’s impact on SSA and presents actionable recommendations for addressing key challenges.
This book is designed to appeal to a wide audience, including researchers, policymakers, healthcare providers, and public health practitioners with an interest in understanding and mitigating the impact of COVID-19 in SSA and in tackling future outbreaks. Furthermore, it serves as a valuable resource for academics, students, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the pandemic’s effects on vulnerable populations.
By reading Africa’s Knowledge Bridge, the reader will benefit from a comprehensive analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on SSA, gaining insights into the critical challenges faced by the region and the strategies needed to address them effectively. From informing evidence-based interventions to guiding future research directions, this book serves as a beacon of knowledge and a call to action in the ongoing fight against the pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Editors
Doctor Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu, Senior Lecturer, Bathurst Rural Clinical School (BRCS), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Bathurst NSW 2795 Australia
- Associate Professor Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, School of Health Science, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Assistant Professor Bernadine Nsa Ekpenyong, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar 540271, Cross River State, Nigeria
- Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, Westville Campus, African Vision Research Institute, Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 3629, South Africa
- Professor Tanko Ishaya, Department of Computer Science, University of Jos, Jos 930003, Nigeria.
