Approaches to Combat COVID-19 in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Workshop 2022

COVID-19 has created significant challenges for health care systems and community in LMICs. The appropriate diagnosis and clinical management of patients are of utmost importance to avoid complications and poor outcomes. However, the lack of diagnostic tests and some of the basics, such as mechanical ventilation and oxygen supplies in ICUs, but also personal protective equipment for the health care provider in LMICs are staggering. Furthermore, most LMICs still face challenges in the access and rolling-out of COVID-19 vaccines to their populations. In fact, only 0.8 % of vaccines have been administered in low-income countries. Moreover, many of the COVID-19 therapeutics that has been studied in resource-rich setting, are not accessible for patients in LMICs. Therefore, there is a huge need for knowledge exchange discussing how to handle COVID-19 surges, how to prepare these countries to receive COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostic tests, and other basics in Low- and Middle-income Countries.