Outbreak

Pathology

Virology

Economics

Political science

Geography

Disease

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Development economics

Economic growth

Mythology

Infectious disease (medical specialty)

Medicine

Classics

Pandemic

History

Environmental health

Global Health Science and Practice

<h3>Key Messages</h3> Evidence suggests the demographic age structure of sub-Saharan Africa is the leading factor of the low morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 compared to other regions of the world. Widespread social mitigation strategies, such as lockdowns, have resulted in severe economic and societal consequences in terms of food security, adolescent pregnancy, gender-based violence, and disruptions in treating other diseases. It is imperative to weigh the risks and benefits of social mitigation strategies for future waves.

The Conundrum of Low COVID-19 Mortality Burden in sub-Saharan Africa: Myth or Reality?