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Does poverty increase COVID-19 in Africa? A cross-country analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Etayibtalnam Koudjom

    (University of Lomé)

  • Sévérin Tamwo

    (University of Yaoundé II-Soa)

  • Koffi D. Kpognon

    (University of Lomé)

Abstract

Background Most economies in African countries are informal. As such, households in these countries tend to face higher levels of informality coupled with a lack of social protection, and have no replacement income or savings in the event of unexpected external shocks, such as COVID-19. Thus, the COVID-19 shock and its negative economic effects triggered a cascade of income losses and bankruptcies that pushed a significant share of households in African countries into poverty. This research analyzes the effect of poverty on the spread of COVID-19 using a sample of 52 African countries. Methods To achieve the objective of this research, this paper uses a multiple linear regression model and a sample of 52 African countries observed in 2020 to conduct a cross-country analysis. More importantly, two COVID-19 indicators (total number of officially reported cases and disease severity) and six poverty indicators (average poverty, poverty incidence, poverty depth, poverty severity, multidimensional poverty index, and extreme poverty) were used in this research. Results The results show a positive and significant relationship between poverty and the spread of COVID-19. Conclusions These results suggest that more attention needs to be paid to poor populations in African countries during the pandemic. These populations are generally vulnerable, and there is a need for support programs targeting them to be put in place quickly. These programs may include food aid, distribution of supplies, health care support, fee waivers, and interest deferrals. In addition, sensitization of these disadvantaged groups on vaccination against COVID-19 to achieve herd immunity is strongly encouraged.

Suggested Citation

  • Etayibtalnam Koudjom & Sévérin Tamwo & Koffi D. Kpognon, 2022. "Does poverty increase COVID-19 in Africa? A cross-country analysis," Health Economics Review, Springer, vol. 12(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:hecrev:v:12:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1186_s13561-022-00399-3
    DOI: 10.1186/s13561-022-00399-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yevessé Dandonougbo & Yaovi Tossou & Esso‐Hanam Atake & Didier Koumavi Ekouevi, 2021. "Effets de la COVID‐19 sur la variation du revenu et la sécurité alimentaire des ménages au Togo," African Development Review, African Development Bank, vol. 33(S1), pages 194-206, April.
    2. Jeffrey M Wooldridge, 2010. "Econometric Analysis of Cross Section and Panel Data," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 2, volume 1, number 0262232588, December.
    3. Prince Asare Vitenu-Sackey & Richard Barfi, 2021. "The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Global Economy: Emphasis on Poverty Alleviation and Economic Growth," The Economics and Finance Letters, Conscientia Beam, vol. 8(1), pages 32-43.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    COVID-19; Poverty; Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty

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