Although several countries in Europe are experiencing second waves of the pandemic,2 there is rising fear of a COVID-19 resurgence in the African region. The recent upsurge seen in South Africa, Nigeria, and Senegal indicates possible resurgence, with notable signs of reduced adherence to public health and social measures (PHSM). As a result, transmission in households, schools, prisons, and other close settings has increased. This increase in transmission might force member states to reinstate lockdown measures with the associated negative socio-economic consequences.
‘Three interventions are crucial to prepare for and respond to a possible COVID-19 resurgence. First, communities should be empowered as first responders. The experiences during recurrent Ebola outbreaks, and the HIV pandemic, suggest that member states should invest more in engaging the community in the COVID-19 response by involving community leaders as partners, so improving buy-ins for PHSM, and mitigating harm from misinformation…more