Social impact and community resilience and engagement during the Covid-19 pandemic, Olivia Joseph-Aluko
Social impact and community resilience and engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic
Olivia Joseph-Aluko
Reinvent African Diaspora Network, UK
DOI: 10.47556/B.OUTLOOK2020.18.10
Purpose: COVID-19 has triggered a paradigm shift in all dimensions of society, with potentially severe negative impacts on global efforts towards sustainable development. Although the pandemic has affected all sectors of society regardless of age, class, ethnicity or nationality, the experience of being isolated or afflicted with the virus, access to healthcare and disease outcomes are heavily influenced by location and wealth.
Design/Methodology/Approach: This study examines the impact of the social environment and pre-existing health conditions in increasing virus susceptibility and mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa, including among the general population as well as marginalised groups such as refugees, migrants, and slum-residents.
Results: Due to synergistic interactions between social, economic and health-related factors, marginalised African populations are at an elevated risk of contracting and dying from COVID-19.
Originality/Value: Research differentiating the effects of COVID-19 on marginalised groups is its nascent stages. This study’s findings can inform efforts to educate these communities on COVID-19 risk factors, and implement policies to reduce virus contact and mortality rates.
Keywords: migrants, refugees, slums, Africa, vulnerable populations, Sustainable Development Goals 2030
