The impact of COVID-19 and strategies for mitigation and suppression in low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

Global prospects for COVID-19 control Lower-income countries have recognized the potential impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from observing ongoing epidemics. Many have intervened quickly and early with measures to slow viral transmission, which may partly explain the low rates observed so far in these countries. Walker et al. calibrated a global model with country-specific data (see the Perspective by Metcalf et al. ). Despite the potentially protective effects of younger demographics, the closer intergenerational contact, limitations on health care facilities, and frequency of comorbidities in lower-income countries require sustained nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to avoid overwhelming health care capacity. As a result of strict NPIs, the protective effects of immunity will be reduced, and it will be important to improve testing capacity. Ensuring equitable provision of oxygen and—when they are ready—pharmaceutical interventions should be a global priority. Science , this issue p. 413 ; see also p. 368

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Affiliated Institutions

• Imperial College London GB
• Brown University US
• London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine GB
• University of Oxford GB
• Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine GB
• London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research GB

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