Scientific Publication

Evidence on the Accuracy of the Number of Reported Covid-19 Infections and Deaths in Lower-Middle Income Countries

author(s) Richards, R.
from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
permalink open
themes
regions
  • Northern Europe
  • Europe
  • World
  • Eastern Africa
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Africa
  • Central America
  • Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Americas
citation

Richards, R. (2020). Evidence on the accuracy of the number of reported Covid-19 infections and deaths in Lower-Middles Income countries. K4D Helpdesk Report 856. Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies

Publications and datasets provided via GARDIAN

Abstract

This rapid literature review focuses on the accuracy of the number of reported Covid-19 infections and deaths in official records released by governments in Lower-Middle Income Countries (LMICs). In addition, the review highlights some of the reasons for data inaccuracies and/or manipulation of Covid-19 statistics.The evidence reviewed suggests that there are data inaccuracies in reporting of Covid-19 infections in LMICs. There is also evidence of deliberate inaccuracies and concealment in reporting of Covid-19 infections in these countries. Examples highlighted include: Tanzania and Nicaragua. Findings show that inaccuracies in officially reported data are not unique to the Covid-19 pandemic, but there are similar instances in reporting problems in previous infectious disease outbreaks. Examples highlighted include: Ebola and HIV. This report was prepared for the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and its partners in support of pro-poor programmes

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