The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the response in low-to-middle income countries

Authors

Hania Shahzad, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Fatima Mubarik, Aga Khan University
Abida K. Sattar, Aga Khan UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Department

General Surgery

Abstract

Purpose of review: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge to healthcare, particularly in resource-constrained low and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aim to summarize the challenges faced by LMICs in providing breast cancer care during the pandemic and their response during this crisis.
Recent findings: Conversion of oncology centers into COVID-19 isolation centers and lack of LMIC applicable guidelines for breast cancer treatment worsened the challenge for providers. Few LMICs changed their management framework, taking steps like triaging patients, prioritizing care, therapeutic spacing, and a shift to telehealth.
Summary: Modified protocols where available have served LMICs well for resource allocation; however, effectiveness of these cannot be determined due to lack of outcomes reporting. This pandemic has underscored the importance of flexibility, prompt intervention, good communication, and reassessment to address unexpected healthcare challenges and has been a learning lesson to help tailor guidelines early in the future.

Comments

Volume, issue, and pagination are not provided by the author/publisher

Publication (Name of Journal)

Current Breast Cancer Reports

Recommended Citation

Shahzad, H., Mubarik, F., Sattar, A. K. (2021). The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the response in low-to-middle income countries. Current Breast Cancer Reports.
Available at: https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_mc/200