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Information gleaned from financial services group Discovery shows that up to 16,000 South African lives will have been saved from Covid-19-related deaths by 2021, as a result of efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
The country’s largest private healthcare provider, however, noted that the Covid-19 pandemic has also affected healthcare-seeking behavior, with a deterioration in the detection, registration, and management of new and existing chronic conditions. , especially breast cancer.
“The Covid-19 pandemic continues to significantly impact our country on multiple levels, one of which is the cost to human life and health, and the far-reaching consequences of the economic impact,” said the executive director of Discovery Health. , Dr. Ryan Noach.
“However, we are encouraged by research indicating that, by the end of 2020, up to 16,000 South African lives will have been saved as a result of the early closure of our country and related measures instituted to curb the spread of Covid-19 in our country.
“The data also shows that as a result of these decisions, we have achieved lower death rates from infection compared to other countries globally.”
“These clinical and epidemiological benefits are demonstrable and the prevention of loss of life in South Africa is an outstanding achievement. However, in the context of this excellent performance, we remain mindful of the potentially long-lasting economic impact and realities of the embargo. The main objective of our national blockade, saving lives, has been achieved. “
National statistics indicate that, as of September 9, South Africa had experienced more than 640,000 infections and 15,000 deaths related to Covid-19.
“However, global research shows that an extraordinary number of Covid-19 cases remain undiagnosed with an estimated rate of asymptomatic cases ranging in the literature from 40% in some studies to 75%,” says Dr. Noach. “We have analyzed this knowledge further.”
Actual infection rate
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) regularly publishes information on deaths in the country and its data shows a disproportionate increase in natural deaths (“excess natural deaths” not recorded as being linked to Covid-19) during the period of the pandemic, compared to historical data.
Based on data from SAMRC, as of Aug. 24, 2020, estimates indicate that the actual death rate from Covid-19 could be up to 3.1 times higher than reported, Discovery said.
“By extrapolating this knowledge, based on the death rate from infection at the beginning of the epidemic, which has dropped as treatment improves, Discovery Health estimates that approximately 13 million South Africans have been infected. This represents an infection rate of 22%, which affects approximately a quarter of the adults in the country, ”he said.
These findings are consistent with the initial results of a seroprevalence survey conducted by the Cape Town Metro, which indicates that 37% of pregnant women and 42% of people living with HIV tested positive for HIV. Covid-19 antibodies.
Treatment of diseases other than Covid-19
The discovery pointed to a worrying decline in overall health-seeking behavior.
“A serious and unexpected consequence of the pandemic is a reduction in health-seeking behaviors among high-risk members who perceive that seeing their doctor increases their risk of exposure to Covid-19,” said hDirector of the Discovery Health Center of Clinical Excellence, Dr. Noluthando Nematswerani.
Discovery data shows that compared to the same period last year, there have been:
- A 42% decrease in wellness tests and broader screening activities leading to fewer diagnoses of chronic conditions;
- A 44% reduction in breast cancer diagnoses and a 51% reduction in mammograms performed (with advanced cancers much more complex to treat and associated with worse outcomes);
- A 51% decrease in members signing up for depression treatment; and
- Poor management of existing chronic conditions with 30% fewer GP visits related to chronic care during the level 5 lockdown period.
“We urge all those requiring general medical care to access it through digital services or in-person visits and optimize their results,” said Dr. Nematswerani.
“The light at the end of this tunnel is that the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital platforms that balance the need for routine health care and ensure patient and provider safety.
“We had made digital healthcare platforms available before the pandemic, and we are encouraged by the rapid increase in the adoption of virtual consultations in all specialties that we have seen among our members.”
Read: Adrian Gore on what’s next for Discovery Bank in South Africa
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