Lessons Learned From LMICs (Low and Middle Income Countries): COVID-19 Health Education and Community Outreach Best Practices for Gaza

Abstract

Purpose of Review To survey successful COVID–19 interventions of low– and middle–income countries (LMIC) that are transferable to Gaza, Palestine. Recent Findings As the COVID–19 pandemic ravages globally, low– and middle–income countries (LMIC) showed success in education–based intervention approaches. This paper compiled the COVID responses in 7 LMIC: Vietnam, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Syria. The authors outlined the most successful and effective of these public health strategies, such as outreach through local leadership and the use of social media campaigning. Ineffective public outreach attributed to the shortcomings of some of the countries’ public health responses. This paper identifies the successful techniques of one LMIC and how similar strategies may be applicable in assisting Gaza in curbing COVID–19 infection rates. Summary Gaza, a community under conflict with little resources, must implement proven strategies to improve its healthcare framework and COVID–19 response. Of the 7 LMIC reviewed, 3 are nations actively in conflict: Afghanistan, Yemen, and Syria. Assessing their ability to respond to COVID despite unstable infrastructure and low–income status provides an important example of successful health education and community outreach techniques. Based on the education–based and community–oriented best practices discovered, appropriate recommendations are proposed for Gaza’s growth and benefit.