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. 2021 Mar:7:368-377.
doi: 10.1200/GO.20.00569.

Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Care Delivery in Africa: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Oncology Providers in Africa

Yehoda M Martei  1 , Tara J Rick  2 , Temidayo Fadelu  3 , Mohammed S Ezzi  4 , Nazik Hammad  5 , Nasreen S Quadri  6 , Belmira Rodrigues  7 , Hannah Simonds  8 , Surbhi Grover  9 , Luca Incrocci  2 , Verna Vanderpuye  10
Affiliations

Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Care Delivery in Africa: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Oncology Providers in Africa

Yehoda M Martei et al. JCO Glob Oncol. 2021 Mar.

Abstract

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted cancer care globally. There are limited data of its impact in Africa. This study aims to characterize COVID-19 response strategies and impact of COVID-19 on cancer care and explore misconceptions in Africa.

Methods: We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey of oncology providers in Africa between June and August 2020. Descriptive statistics and comparative analysis by income groups were performed.

Results: One hundred twenty-two participants initiated the survey, of which 79 respondents from 18 African countries contributed data. Ninety-four percent (66 of 70) reported country mitigation and suppression strategies, similar across income groups. Unique strategies included courier service and drones for delivery of cancer medications (9 of 70 and 6 of 70, respectively). Most cancer centers remained open, but > 75% providers reported a decrease in patient volume. Not previously reported is the fear of infectivity leading to staff shortages and decrease in patient volumes. Approximately one third reported modifications of all cancer treatment modalities, resulting in treatment delays. A majority of participants reported ≤ 25 confirmed cases (44 of 68, 64%) and ≤ 5 deaths because of COVID-19 (26 of 45, 58%) among patients with cancer. Common misconceptions were that Africans were less susceptible to the virus (53 of 70, 75.7%) and decreased transmission of the virus in the African heat (44 of 70, 62.9%).

Conclusion: Few COVID-19 cases and deaths were reported among patients with cancer. However, disruptions and delays in cancer care because of the pandemic were noted. The pandemic has inspired tailored innovative solutions in clinical care delivery for patients with cancer, which may serve as a blueprint for expanding care and preparing for future pandemics. Ongoing public education should address COVID-19 misconceptions. The results may not be generalizable to the entire African continent because of the small sample size.

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Conflict of interest statement

Yehoda M. Martei

Research Funding: Celgene. Fogarty International Center and the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award number K01 TW 011481 (YMM)

Tara J. Rick

Research Funding: Varian Medical Systems

Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: Varian Medical Systems

Temidayo Fadelu

Research Funding: Celgene, Cepheid

Hannah Simonds

Honoraria: Cipla

Luca Incrocci

Research Funding: Varian Medical Systems

No other potential conflicts of interest were reported.

Figures

FIG 1
FIG 1
Flow diagram of survey participants.
FIG 2
FIG 2
Distribution of participants across Africa.
FIG 3
FIG 3
Frequency of nonpharmacologic interventions implemented for COVID-19 control in Africa. Data from 70 respondents practicing in 17 African countries.
FIG 4
FIG 4
Estimated number of diagnostically confirmed and suspected COVID-19 cases and estimated deaths reported by survey participants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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