Partnership for Evidence based Response to COVID-19 (PERC) Biweekly Report

International media and organizations continue to spotlight Africa as an example of a successful COVID-19 response, particularly as Europe and North America enter large second and third waves. However, the secondary impacts of public health and social measures (PHSMs) have been significant: across the continent, health systems are becoming increasingly overburdened, and food prices and insecurity are rising; public mistrust of government handing of the virus and disbursement of aid is fueling protests. In some African Union (AU) member states, cases have begun to rise again, signaling that a second wave is starting. Strengthening public trust in government and expanding rapid testing and contact tracing will be necessary to control the spread in the coming months.