Men risked COVID-19 infection

The research, which was conducted in Botswana and Malawi, was from people who tested positive for COVID-19 between March 2020 and January 2022. According to the report, the purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive map of COVID-19 vulnerability risk factors as they relate to gender, race, disability, socio-economic demographics, income, ethnicity, and concomitant non-communicable diseases.

The study also found that people living in poverty and with disability were much more vulnerable to getting COVID-19 than people who could afford better living conditions, such as not living in crowded spaces, affording to buy masks and sanitisers and even hospitalisation fees. The study further revealed that mortalities were highest for the oldest age group (75+ years), followed by 65-74 years and 55-64 years. In Botswana, the study was led by Professor Oitshephile Modise of the University of Botswana.