COVID-19 Africa Rapid-Grant Fund

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https://africarxiv.ubuntunet.net/handle/1/1385

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak of a new type of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 respiratory disease) a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. The pandemic presented a significant challenge requiring a global response informed by the best scientific research. The Global Research Council (GRC) issued a declaration calling on participating councils to collaborate in the fight against the virus and encourage open sharing of research findings and data as transparency shall help ensure the development of diagnostics, vaccines and prevention measures for the benefit of every nation.

To support Africa’s response to the pandemic and under the auspices of the Science Granting Councils Initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI), the NRF South Africa, IDRC, Sida, DFID, United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Newton Fund, South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), Fonds de Recherche du Québec (FRQ), SGCI participating councils, and additional partners collaborated to implement a Rapid Grant Fund to address research questions and implement science engagement activities associated with COVID-19. The Science Granting Councils Initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI) has been implemented through the collaborative efforts of fifteen science granting councils in sub-Saharan Africa since 2015.
The NRF South Africa administered the USD4.75 million Rapid Grant Fund.

The Fund sought to:
  • Contribute to the African regional and continental response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Support knowledge generation and translation to inform diagnostics, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19 on the continent.
  • Strengthen African regional and continental science engagement efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Leverage strong multilateral collaborations to support Africa’s consolidated response to the COVID-19 pandemic and attract new collaborations from international partners.

The fund supported Research and Science Engagement. The COVID-19 Rapid Grant Fund repository on Africarxiv archives the research and engagement outputs from the grant recipients.

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Browsing COVID-19 Africa Rapid-Grant Fund by Author "Adamba, Clement"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
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    Physical Activity and Depression During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Nigeria: Does Age and Gender Make a Difference?
    (2023-11-06) Muomah, Rosemary C.; Chukwuorji, JohnBosco C.; Nwonyi, Sampson K.; Tay, Doris Akosua; Malete, Leapetswe; Adamba, Clement; Nyawornota, Vida Korleki; Nyanyofio, Oscar C.; Donkor, S. K.; Ocansey, Reginald T.
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    Self-Perception of Health and Physical Activity Levels Among the Youth and Adults Before and Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
    (2024-05-30) Nyawornota, Vida Korleki; Adamba, Clement; Tay, Doris Akosua; Nyanyofio, Oscar C.; Muomah, Rosemary C.; Chukwuorji, JohnBosco C.; Nwonyi, Sampson K.; Malete, Leapetswe; Joachim, Dale; Ocansey, Reginald T.
    Background: Emerging research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions led to decreased physical activity levels and poorer health globally. However, most studies on this topic have focused on advanced countries, leaving a gap in understanding the impact in countries like Ghana. This study aimed to fill this gap by assessing self-perceived health status and physical activity levels among youth and adults in Ghana before, during, and after the COVID-19 restrictions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for informing public health interventions and policies to promote well-being during and beyond the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using online data collection methods was conducted, involving 937 participants. Data included demographic information, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Analysis was done using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics and multinomial regression. Results: Most participants (89.6%) reported good health. Male participants were significantly more likely to engage in moderate (1.78 times) and high (3.17 times) physical activity during the COVID-19 period compared to females. Conclusion: This study highlights gender disparities in physical activity levels during the pandemic in Ghana. Addressing these disparities and promoting healthier lifestyles, especially during crises, is crucial for general and mental health. Further research should explore socio-demographic factors’ role in health behaviors during pandemics.