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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: COVID-19; Global health; Research agenda.

Fig. 1

Cumulative cases of confirmed COVID-19 cases in high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries. HICs = high-income countries; LMICs = low- and middle-income countries. Countries categorized based on World Bank classifications. Cases reported from the Diamond Princess and MS Zaandam cruise ships were considered to have occurred in high-income countries. Data from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE)