Abstract

The need for COVID-19 research in low- and middle-income countries

Gupta, M. Wahl, B. Adhikari, B. Bar-Zeev, N. Bhandari, S. Coria, A. Erchick, D. J. Gupta, N. Hariyani, S. Kagucia, E. W. Killewo, J. Limaye, R. J. McCollum, E. D. Pandey, R. Pomat, W. S. Rao, K. D. Santosham, M. Sauer, M. Wanyenze, R. K. Peters, D. H.
Glob Health Res Policy. 2020; 533

Permanent descriptor

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41256-020-00159-y

In the early months of the pandemic, most reported cases and deaths due to COVID-19 occurred in high-income countries. However, insufficient testing could have led to an underestimation of true infections in many low- and middle-income countries. As confirmed cases increase, the ultimate impact of the pandemic on individuals and communities in low- and middle-income countries is uncertain. We therefore propose research in three broad areas as urgently needed to inform responses in low- and middle-income countries: transmission patterns of SARS-CoV-2, the clinical characteristics of the disease, and the impact of pandemic prevention and response measures. Answering these questions will require a multidisciplinary approach led by local investigators and in some cases additional resources. Targeted research activities should be done to help mitigate the potential burden of COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries without diverting the limited human resources, funding, or medical supplies from response activities.