Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gastrointestinal endoscopy in Africa

• Main Authors: Alanna Ebigbo, John Gásdal Karstensen, Purnima Bhat, Uchenna Ijoma, Chukwuemeka Osuagwu, Hailemichael Desalegn, Ganiyat K. Oyeleke, Rezene B. Gebru, Claire Guy, Giulio Antonelli, Peter Vilmann, Lars Aabakken, Cesare Hassan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Georg Thieme Verlag KG 2020-08-01
• Series: Endoscopy International Open
• Online Access: http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.1055/a-1210-4274

Background and study aims As with all other fields of medical practice, gastrointestinal endoscopy has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, data on the impact of the pandemic in Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa are lacking. Methods A web-based survey was conducted by the International Working Group of the European Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the World Endoscopy Organization to determine the impact and effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on endoscopists in African countries. Results Thirty-one gastroenterologists from 14 countries in north, central, and sub-Saharan Africa responded to the survey. The majority of respondents reduced their endoscopy volume considerably. Personal protective equipment including FFP-2 masks were available in almost all participating centers. Pre-endoscopy screening was performed as well. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on gastrointestinal endoscopy in most African countries; however, the impact may not have been as devastating as expected.