COVID-19 and HIV: so far it seems the outcome is not what was feared

Abstract

Based on official figures – which may be somewhat under reported – COVID-19 has not been asdevastating in South Africa as initially feared. Back in March and April this year case numbers on the continent were still modest. But predictions and projections were sombre. There seemed to be consensus that African countries had weak public health systems and few testing facilities , and containment and social distancing were going to beproblematic in poor communities . More specifically, local and international organisations pointed to the fact that these areas typicallyhave the highest incidence of immuno-compromised individuals. Experts feared that the tens ofmillions with HIV and tuberculosis would be disproportionately affected by COVID-19.