The Conundrum of Low COVID-19 Mortality Burden in sub-Saharan Africa: Myth or Reality? COMMENT

center dot Evidence suggests the demographic age structure of sub-Saharan Africa is the leading factor of the low morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 compared to other regions of the world. center dot Widespread social mitigation strategies, such as lockdowns, have resulted in severe economic and societal consequences in terms of food security, adolescent pregnancy, gender-based violence, and disruptions in treating other diseases. center dot It is imperative to weigh the risks and benefits of social mitigation strategies for future waves.

Automated summary

The demographic age structure of sub-Saharan Africa is the main factor for the low morbidity and mortality of COVID-19; social mitigation strategies have led to severe economic and societal consequences; it is crucial to weigh the risks and benefits of these strategies for future waves.