Probable Factors Contributing to the Fast Spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ethiopia

Abstract

The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been a major public health trait across the world since its first emergence in Wu-han, China in 29 th December 2019. The fact that the disease is new little has been known about the virus and factors contributing to the fast spread of the virus. WHO recommendations to control the spread of the virus are universal and needs contextualization further analysis of contributing factors at country level. Hence, countries across the globe implemented different controlling strategies to reduce the number of people infected by the virus. However, the virus has been spreading rapidly in an alarming rate across the globe. Ethiopia is among the countries where the virus has been spreading very fast. The government of Ethiopia declared a 5-month State of Emergency in an effort to limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on 14 th April 2020, however, the virus has been spreading in all regions of the country. In this review, factors that might contribute the spread of the novel corona virus directly or indirectly in Ethiopia were analysed. These factors are poor knowledge and practice of the hygienic condition of the public during service delivery, day to day personal activities, socioeconomic nature of the society, political instability and the knowledge, attitude and practice of HCWs are mentioned. Strong intervention measures should be taken to mitigate the contributing factors that are tremendously important to control the spread of the novel corona virus in the country. In addition, research should be conducted to know the level of impact of each contributing factor in Ethiopia.