COVID-19 in Africa

Who is the course for?

The aim of this course is to help clinicians contribute to a gradual return to the patient volumes observed before the outbreak in Africa.

The course is designed for primary care providers operating across the African continent, with a particular focus on upper lower to lower-middle-income populations where information sharing can be difficult.

This may include non-physician clinicians (NPCs) known as clinical officers (COs) across selected African countries.

The course will help patient populations in urban and peri-urban areas who have access to primary care facilities that predominantly offer outpatient services (although in some cases these extend to inpatient services).

Whereas specific reference to the wider African healthcare system will be made, this course remains applicable, in principle, to all low and middle-income primary care practices.

What topics will you cover?

The course will cover what you need to know and what you need to do in relation to the Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in primary care. Topics we will cover include:

Background of COVID-19

Current situation in Africa

When to suspect COVID-19 infection in primary care

Safe assessment of suspected cases

Infection prevention and control

Management of acutely unwell patients

Management of those with mild symptoms in home isolation

Consultation tips and advice on keeping your practice running safely

Mitigation of the psychological and mental health effects of COVID-19

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to…

Develop understanding of COVID-19, and specifically its impact across Africa

Identify procedures for prevention and control in primary care, and safe management of personal protective equipment for medical staff and patients

Describe the correct management plans for patients on home isolation

Apply the necessary measures to keep your primary care services running and routine care