Evaluating the response to the scourge of Coronavirus pandemic in poor resourced countries: The case of Zimbabwe

Abstract

Towards the end of 2019, the world woke up to a novel virus which has come to be known as the Coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 is threatening to  reorder and reconfigure the world order in all  pheres of life. Global infection rate has now surpassed two million. The World HealthS Organisation (WHO) has declared COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern. Worldwide, there are measures and guidelines formulated to contain the pandemic. This paper evaluates the response of poor resourced countries to the scourge of COVID-19 and the measures or responses initiated to fight Coronavirus in poor resourced economies like Zimbabwe. The various measures taken by the Zimbabwean government to curb the spread of the virus in the country include onsite screening, lockdown, holding returning residents in isolation for a period of
21 days as well as public enlightenment and awareness about COVID-19. Notably, these measures are laudable and commendable; however, more is needed to ensure the spread of the disease is effectively managed and contained. Compulsory testing and enforcement of such best practices as
social distancing and confinement to homes or self-isolation are desirable.

Keywords: COVID-19, ill resourced countries, pandemic, public health emergency of international concern, Zimbabwe.