Factors influencing the spread of sars-cov-2 in southern africa

The scope, impact, and ferocity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on African people and their livelihoods have been unprecedented. The differential impact of COVID-19 between African and Western countries is now apparent. The question central in this article is: Why has COVID-19 hit the African continent hard? Africa is an interesting case due to predictions of catastrophic impacts that have not materialised. The factors affecting the dynamics of COVID-19, especially in Southern African countries, need to be explored at the regional level. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the different factors that have led to the lower numbers of COVID-19 in Southern Africa by examining the situations in five countries, namely Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Lesotho, and South Africa. A desktop approach enabled a critical review of the potential factors contributing to the negative impact of COVID-19 on selected Southern African countries. This article intends to expand on what is known about the differential impacts of pandemics. We argue that there is a need for consistent cutting-edge research on the trajectories of COVID-19. This is particularly helpful for advancing scientific knowledge and preparing appropriate responses to future pandemics. An important lesson can be learned from Southern Africa for global health improvement.