COVID-19 pandemic in Guinea-Bissau

Overview of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guinea-Bissau

COVID-19 pandemic in Guinea-Bissau

The COVID-19 pandemic in Guinea-Bissau is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus was confirmed to have reached Guinea-Bissau in March 2020.

Guinea’s frontline healthcare workers

Background

COVID-19 is an infectious disease first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The disease has since spread globally, leading to an ongoing pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020, and a pandemic on 11 March 2020.

Timeline

March 2020

The first cases of COVID-19 in Guinea-Bissau were reported in March 2020. The initial response involved the implementation of public health measures such as social distancing, travel restrictions, and the closure of schools and non-essential businesses.

April 2020

By April, the number of confirmed cases began to rise, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency. Efforts were made to increase testing capacity and to establish quarantine facilities for those infected.

Subsequent Developments

Throughout 2020 and 2021, Guinea-Bissau faced challenges in managing the pandemic due to limited healthcare infrastructure and resources. The government worked with international organizations to secure vaccines and medical supplies.

Healthcare System Impact

The pandemic placed significant strain on Guinea-Bissau's healthcare system, which was already under-resourced. Healthcare workers faced shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical supplies. Efforts were made to bolster the healthcare workforce and improve hospital capacity.

Vaccination Campaign

The vaccination campaign in Guinea-Bissau began in 2021, with priority given to healthcare workers, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. The country received vaccine doses through the COVAX initiative and bilateral agreements.

Socioeconomic Impact

The pandemic had a profound impact on the economy of Guinea-Bissau, affecting sectors such as agriculture, trade, and tourism. The government implemented measures to mitigate economic hardship, including financial assistance programs and support for small businesses.

Related pages

• COVID-19 pandemic in Africa
• Public health emergency
• Vaccination