Impact of COVID-19 on access to healthcare in low- and middle-income countries: Current evidence and future recommendations.

Okereke, Melody; Ukor, Nelson Ashinedu; Adebisi, Yusuff Adebayo; Ogunkola, Isaac Olushola; Favour Iyagbaye, Eseosa; Adiela Owhor, Greatman; Lucero-Prisno, Don Eliseo

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a major public health threat globally and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are not an exception. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is far-reaching on many areas including but not limited to global health security, economic and healthcare delivery with a potential impact on access to healthcare in LMICs. We evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to healthcare in LMICs, as well as plausible strategies that can be put in place to ensure that the delivery of healthcare is not halted. In order to mitigate the devastating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the already weak health systems in LMICs, it is much necessary to reinforce and scale up interventions and proactive measures that will ensure that access to healthcare is not disrupted even in course of the pandemic.