Preparedness for COVID-19 in the oncology community in Africa

Unfortunately, poverty, low health literacy rates, and cultural practices that negatively affect cancer outcomes will result in poor assimilation of COVID-19 containment strategies in Africa. The paucity of protective gear and onsite testing kits for patients and health-care staff on the continent is a major flaw in delivering life-saving oncology care during this crisis. A minimum number of essential staff (in protective gear when available) will be rotated, prescriptions refilled remotely, and second-line and third-line palliative chemotherapy halted.