Page - 543 - in VULNERABLE - The Law, Policy and Ethics of COVID-19

CHAPTER F-3 COVID-19 and Africa: Does “One Size Fit All” in Public Health Intervention? Chidi Oguamanam* Abstract Taking into account the socio-economic, cultural, and political dynamics of Africa, and drawing from a universe of publicly available information, this chapter explores Africa’s experiences with selected aspects of COVID-19 public health and associated response measures. It aims, in part, to identify facets of the contextual dynamics of the con- tinent that warrant creative and fit-for-context public health responses outside of a one-size-fits-all milieu. Also, the chapter identifies and reflects on some real and potential lessons and opportunities from the COVID-19 experience on the African continent that could reposition the continent and enhance its resilience in the face of the first global pandemic in a globalized and technology-driven world order. * Full Professor in the Faculty of Law (Common Law Section), University of Ottawa, where he is affiliated with the Centre for Law, Technology and Society, the Centre for Environmental Law and Global Sustainability and the Centre for Health Law, Policy and Ethics.