The Covid-19 Pandemic in Africa: Assessing Communication Strategies in Relation to South Africa and Ghana during the Crisis

The Covid-19 disease is caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SAR-CoV-2), which began its human infections by contact with infected wild animals in China. The Coronavirus spread from person-to-person through infected air droplets of saliva and discharges through sneezing and coughing, as well as contact with surfaces and hands that are contaminated by the virus, and touching the mouth, eyes or nose with contaminated hands. South Africa and Ghana are among the countries in Africa with the highest numbers of Covid-19 cases. The global pandemic has exposed the vulnerability, inadequacies and challenges in public health systems, compelling governments and officials in health institutions to reassess how Coronavirus disease outbreaks are communicated and co-ordinated, especially in Africa. This project conducts a systematic review of selected published research based articles to collect and analyse data using thematic analysis. The study employs the PICOS framework to systematically review existing literature on media and communication of the coronavirus disease particularly in South Africa and Ghana. The study attempts to collate studies and empirical evidence that meet pre-specified eligibility, inclusion and exclusion criteria to address specific research questions. The systematic review method enables this study to compare the communication strategies and activities deployed by governments and health institutions in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa and Ghana. Expected Outputs This project seeks to produce an article (manuscript) for publication in an internationally reputed journal in communication, media or public health, which is accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training, and North-West University in South Africa.