HEPU Extra-Ordinary Think Tank Conference
The Second COVID-19 Extraordinary Think Tank Conference
The success of HEPU first COVID-19 Extraordinary Think Tank Conference pathed the way for its second COVID-19 Extraordinary Think Tank Conference, held on the 1st of April 2021. Pulling in 93 participants, 26 more from the first conference, the conference was fruitful and insightful.
The purpose of the meeting was to bring together researchers and policymakers to appraise evidence gathered on COVID-19 thus far and potential policy options. Thereby ensuring that Malawi is adequately prepared should there be a third wave. A total of 10 presentations were given examining the epidemiological trends of the pandemic, surveillance and preparedness, the vaccine options, equitable access to the corona vaccines and finally, the economic consequences of COVID in Malawi. Unfortunately, Malawi was ill-prepared for the second waved of the pandemic. Thus, the country suffered a devastating increase in coronavirus deaths and further stretched the health care system. For the country COVID-19 response to be more proactive and not reactive, evidence needs to be rigorous and timely.
The infection fatality rate model was developed for Malawi at the beginning of the pandemic to predict the disease severity and estimate the total number of infected cases. The models most recent findings revealed that results were heavily dependent on assumptions and low level of reporting on COVID-18 related deaths. A similar presentation revealed results from a surveillance study was conducted to determine the risk factors for COVID-19 over 12-month. Researchers asked a series of questions to participants to understand the symptoms they experience. The results showed participants did not experience the classic symptoms. The current rate of transmission and the ratio of asymptomatic to symptomatic is yet to be understood. The understanding of this will aid in the protection of future infections.
The creation of the vaccine is probably the best hope in ending the coronavirus pandemic. After lengthy discussions, the Malawi government decided the AstraZeneca vaccine would best serve the population. Results from three presentations stated that AstraZeneca is very effective against the coronavirus and delaying administering the second dose of the vaccine increases its efficacy. When it came to managing the vaccine administration, however, the government was faced with mistrust by the public fuelled by misinformation, miscommunication, and religious beliefs. While time-consuming, government representatives met with community leaders to note community fears and disseminate accurate information. Their efforts resulted in a dramatic increase in the demand for vaccination. Although the demand for the vaccine increased, the pandemic has highlighted the inequalities that live within the global health realm. Through this presentation, it was highlighted that a vast majority of the population living in low and middle-income countries are unable to access the vaccine, and there is only a limited supply. The presenter suggested a need for values supported by rigorous evidence are essential to allow equitable access to the vaccine.
In addition to the health consequences, the pandemic is a setback in the economic progression in Africa. The presentation demonstrated a strong correlation between health and economic growth. A strong correlation between health and economic growth. Thus the government needs to have fiscal space and capacity to invest in schools, poverty reduction and social-economic programs.
The information gathered from the conference is currently being used to develop policy and guidelines to strengthen the country’s COVID response.