Effectiveness and impact of Covid-19 response and vaccination challenges in Namibia: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Namibia, as with many countries around the world is experiencing devastating impact of Covid-19 disease on the economy, psycho-social interactions, and well-being of the populace. These countries implemented several measures to limit the spread of the virus responsible for the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). Namibia also put measures in place to curtail the spread and fatalities due to the virus. However, the nature and implementation strategies of Public Health regulations seriously have impact on preventing the spread and curtailing fatalities arising from the virus. Objective: This article presents a report on the effectiveness and impact of Public Health measures instituted by the Health Authority towards curtailing the scourge of covid-19 on the general populace. Method: Elements of the PRISMA protocol was utilised in the review which enabled the synthesis of data on focused area. Multifaceted databases on covid- 19 such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, World Health Organisation and the Ministry of Health and Social Services of Namibia (MoHSS) among others was used.Result: A steady increase in covid-19 infection at an average rate of eleven (11) per day was noted in the country up till June 2021. Highest rate was linked to densely populated regions of Erongo and Khomas. Control measures for infection prevention and vaccination drive was ineffective majorly as a result of misinformation. Conclusion: A paradigm shift of enhanced interaction with local populace for effective information dissemination is required towards limiting the scourge of the virus and hence, saving of lives.

Keywords

• pandemic
• sars-cov-2
• virus
• public health
• respiratory droplets