COVID-19 Resources

Welcome to the I-TECH COVID-19 Resources page. Below you will find a catalog of weekly and monthly digests sent to I-TECH worldwide staff, with a round-up of news from our country offices, as well as national and I-TECH responses. To the right, you’ll find the most recent PEPFAR guidance, lists of resources and presentations our staff has found helpful, and FAQs we have received from staff.

PLEASE NOTE: The digests below represent a summary of daily communications from I-TECH country offices to I-TECH headquarters in Seattle. They are based on our country office perspective only and are not meant to represent a full national picture in each country.

While we do our best to keep our staff up to date with guidelines, one of the most reliable sources of information is the World Health Organization Coronavirus Technical Guidance website.

If you are interested in UW resources, please visit the UW COVID-19 resources page for general information about telework, UW resources, and UW information sources.

I-TECH COVID-19 Digests

14 January 2022

I-TECH COVID-19 Monthly Digest, 14 January 2022

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 14 January 2022.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED*		DECEASED
Area (Population)	Today	% Change from Dec 17	Today	% Change from Dec 17	Today	% Change from Dec 17
Global (7.6 B)	315,345,967	16%	9,222,536,080	11%	5,510,174	3%
Africa (1.2 B)	7,731,116	16%
Botswana (2.3 M)	232,432	18%	1,169,197	5%	2,497	3%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1M)	78,258	26%	7,113,233	48%	745	6%
Kenya (51.4 M)	314,490	22%	10,687,619	26%	5,469	2%
Malawi (18.1 M)	81,414	29%	1,740,820	11%	2,437	5%
Mozambique (29.5M)	214,807	38%	17,031,660	45%	2,105	8%
Namibia (2.5 M)	152,982	14%	643,829	8%	3,735	4%
South Africa (57.8 M)	3,540,891	10%	27,977,830	5%	92,830	3%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	30,564	15%	2,431,769	43%	740	1%
Zimbabwe (14.4 )	224,433	23%	7,248,458	3%	5,215	10%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	46,578,130	4%
Cambodia (16.3M)	120,684	0.2%	30,456,720	4%	3,015	1%
India (1.4 B)	36,317,927	5%	1,476,253,454	14%	485,035	2%
Europe (741.4 M)	115,467,381	24%
Ukraine (42 M)	3,727,034	4%	28,426,123	7%	97,928	6%
Americas (1 B)	115,311,864	16%
Haiti (11.1 M)	26,807	4%	197,175	7%	780	2%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	106,379	16%	1,218,250	5%	2,506	3%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	97,897	20%	1,416,634	9%	3,102	26%
USA (382.2 M)	62,126,362	25%	502,616,303	4%	836,482	6%

*Total vaccine doses administered
Source, COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source, population: World Bank

International Updates: For weekly updates, visit the World Health Organizations (WHO) COVID-19 weekly epidemiological update. The report includes a global overview, including cases and death updates by region, analyses of the previous week’s COVID-19 epidemiological data, information on variants of concern, and vaccine performance against variants of concern.

New USG Guidance: The most recent PEPFAR update was from 5 January 2021. Updates included information about SARS CoV-2 viral variants, upcoming therapeutics, updated quarantine and isolation information, masking, infection prevention and control measures, and new resources for voluntary male medical circumcision (VMMC). To find future PEPFAR technical guidance updates, visit: https://www.state.gov/pepfar/coronavirus/

17 December 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Monthly Digest, 17 December 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 17 December 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED*		DECEASED
Area (Population)	Today	% Change from Nov 12	Today	% Change from Nov 12	Today	% Change from Nov 12
Global (7.6 B)	271,376,643	8%	8,337,664,456	16%	5,324,969	5%
Africa (1.2 B)	6,675,559	8%			2,424
Botswana (2.3 M)	197,644	2%	1,113,560	38%	706	1%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1M)	61,943	1%	4,812,235	36%	5,350	1%
Kenya (51.4 M)	257,614	1%	8,515,984	46%	2,310	1%
Malawi (18.1 M)	62,933	2%	1,571,907	20%	1,946	0.3%
Mozambique (29.5M)	155,495	3%	11,730,770	81%	3,579	1%
Namibia (2.5 M)	134,154	4%	596,748	**	90,226	0.4%
South Africa (57.8 M)	3,231,031	10%	26,730,975	15%	734	1%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	26,483	1%	1,699,523	70%	4,759	1%
Zimbabwe (14.4 )	182,057	37%	7,012,555	16%		1%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	44,786,380	1%
Cambodia (16.3M)	120,390	1%	29,426,116	7%	2,995	5%
India (1.4 B)	34,718,602	1%	1,294,608,045	18%	476,478	3%
Europe (741.4 M)	93,152,391	16%
Ukraine (42 M)	3,588,147	13%	26,567,167	37%	92,313	22%
Americas (1 B)	99,085,620	4%
Haiti (11.1 M)	25,879	6%	183,974	33%	762	8%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	91,868	2%	1,155,017	19%	2,432	6%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	81,857	35%	1,303,650	5%	2,454	36%
USA (382.2 M)	49,833,416	7%	465,812,616	4%	792,371	5%

*Total vaccine doses administered
Source, COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source, population: World Bank

New USG Guidance: The most recent PEPFAR update was from 1 December 2021. Updated information about SARS CoV-2 variants was included, COVID panorama dashboard was announced and additional resources were added for COVID-19 vaccination. To find future PEPFAR technical guidance updates, visit: https://www.state.gov/pepfar/coronavirus/

12 November 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Monthly Digest, 12 November 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 12 November 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED*		DECEASED
Area (Population)	Today	% Change from Sept 17	Today	% Change from Sept 17	Today	% Change from Sept 17
Global (7.6 B)	251,788,329	4%	7,160,396,495	8%	5,077,907	3%
Africa (1.2 B)	6,182,165	1%
Botswana (2.3 M)	193,701	5%	804,424	8%	2,411	1%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1M)	61,426	1%	3,541,785	22%	699	1%
Kenya (51.4 M)	254,151	1%	5,813,553	24%	5,315	1%
Malawi (18.1 M)	61,834	0.2%	1,311,847	8%	2,302	0.3%
Mozambique (29.5M)	151,410	0.2%	6,491,287	71%	1,934	0.4%
Namibia (2.5 M)	129,038	1%	708,735	21%	3,564	1%
South Africa (57.8 M)	2,924,978	0.2%	23,151,823	15%	89,452	1%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	26,196	1%	1,001,610	13%	725	0.1%
Zimbabwe (14.4 )	133,329	1%	6,020,607	5%	4,694	1%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	44,227,520	1%
Cambodia (16.3M)	119,358	2%	27,488,038	19%	2,850	6%
India (1.4 B)	34,414,186	1%	1,095,926,470	11%	462,690	2%
Europe (741.4 M)	80,316,815	8%
Ukraine (42 M)	3,179,577	18%	19,322,408	34%	75,607	21%
Americas (1 B)	94,820,509	2%
Haiti (11.1 M)	24,383	4%	138,330	35%	705	7%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	89,926	3%	972,401	14%	2,302	8%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	60,475	11%	1,236,684	6%	1,806	12%
USA (382.2 M)	46,501,534	4%	449,472,005	8%	752,960	4%

*Total vaccine doses administered
Source, COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source, population: World Bank

New USG Guidance: The most recent PEPFAR update was from 10 November 2021. Vaccine guidance was updated and draft COP22 alignment of priorities were described. To find future PEPFAR technical guidance updates, visit: https://www.state.gov/pepfar/coronavirus/.

22 October 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Monthly Digest, 22 October 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 22 October 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED*		DECEASED
Area (Population)	Today	% Change from Sept 17	Today	% Change from Sept 17	Today	% Change from Sept 17
Global *(7.6 B)*	241,886,635	7%	6,655,399,359	18%	4,919,755	6%
Africa *(1.2 B)*	6,122,763	5%
Botswana (2.3 M)	184,051	11%	744,464	96%	2,389	2%
Côte d’Ivoire (25.1M)	61,113	5%	2,892,373	97%	689	28%
Kenya (51.4 M)	252,308	3%	4,674,897	51%	5,238	6%
Malawi (18.1 M)	61,738	1%	1,209,535	21%	2,296	2%
Mozambique (29.5M)	151,157	1%	3,799,385	58%	1,927	2%
Namibia (2.5 M)	128,395	1%	584,381	97%	3,543	3%
South Africa (57.8 M)	2,917,846	2%	20,200,231	38%	88,754	4%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	26,034	1804%	885,579	186%	724	1348%
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	132,487	4%	5,714,824	26%	4,660	2%
SE Asia *(4.5 B)*	43,694,966	3%
Cambodia (16.3M)	117,201	16%	23,188,829	19%	2,693	30%
India (1.4 B)	34,127,450	2%	986,769,411	31%	452,811	2%
Europe *(741.4 M)*	74,193,807	9%
Ukraine (42 M)	2,701,600	16%	14,425,128	31%	62,389	14%
Americas *(1 B)*	92,524,668	6%
Haiti (11.1 M)	23,406	10%	102,168	102%	658	10%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	87,723	13%	852,062	21%	2,129	21%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	54,405	15%	1,165,204	21%	1,613	16%
USA (382.2 M)	44,862,573	9%	416,110,353	7%	724,605	10%

*Total vaccine doses administered
Source, COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source, population: World Bank

New USG Updates: The most recent PEPFAR update was from 13 October 2021, but no additions were noted. To find future PEPFAR technical guidance updates, visit: https://www.state.gov/pepfar/coronavirus/.

17 September 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Monthly Digest, 17 September 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 17 September 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED*		DECEASED
Area (Population)	Today	% Change from Aug 13	Today	% Change from Aug 13	Today	% Change from Aug 13
Global (7.6 B)	226,236,577	11%	5,634,533,040	27%	4,654,548	8%
Africa (1.2 B)	5,854,409	12%
Botswana (2.3 M)	165,644	27%	379,684	49%	2,337	28%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1M)	58,341	13%	1,467,277	30%	540	56%
Kenya (51.4 M)	244,826	13%	3,090,932	71%	4,949	17%
Malawi (18.1 M)	61,207	7%	1,001,022	46%	2,246	19%
Mozambique (29.5M)	149,671	10%	2,405,890	74%	1,898	15%
Namibia (2.5 M)	126,498	4%	297,066	36%	3,448	7%
South Africa (57.8 M)	2,869,201	12%	14,670,161	84%	85,468	13%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	1,367	0%	310,103		50	0%
Zimbabwe (14.4 )	127,083	8%	4,552,455	58%	4,551	14%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	42,316,882	7%
Cambodia (16.3M)	101,443	22%	19,536,084	48%	2,067	28%
India (1.4 B)	33,347,325	4%	752,238,324	45%	443,928	3%
Europe (741.4 M)	67,798,955	9%
Ukraine (42 M)	2,331,540	3%	10,987,963	68%	54,651	3%
Americas (1 B)	87,208,536	10%
Haiti (11.1 M)	21,318	4%	50,624	260%	596	3%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	77,497	39%	606,286	64%	1,757	40%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	47,363	17%	962,287	49%	1,386	21%
USA (382.2 M)	41,229,421	15%	379,082,955	7%	659,336	7%

*Total vaccine doses administered
Source, COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source, population: World Bank

New USG Updates: PEPFAR technical guidance has12 December not been updated. The most recent update was from 18 August 2021, but no additions were noted. To find future PEPFAR technical guidance updates, visit https://www.state.gov/pepfar/coronavirus/.

13 August 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Monthly Digest, 13 August 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 13 August 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED*		DECEASED
Area *(Population)*	Today	% Change from 16 July	Today	% Change from 16 July	Today	% Change from 16 July
Global *(7.6 B)*	204,644,849	9%	4,428,168,759	30%	4,323,139	6%
Africa *(1.2 B)*	5,220,316	16%
Botswana (2.3 M)	130,771	63%	254,908	50%	1,832	46%
Côte d’Ivoire (25.1M)	51,732	6%	1,131,037	36%	347	9%
Kenya (51.4 M)	215,730	13%	1,804,375	22%	4,241	13%
Malawi (18.1 M)	56,952	40%	685,630	39%	1,895	49%
Mozambique (29.5M)	135,528	45%	1,386,326	173%	1,655	60%
Namibia (2.5 M)	121,603	12%	218,451	41%	3,226	44%
South Africa (57.8 M)	2,554,240	14%	7,981,822	88%	75,744	16%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	1,367				50
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	117,954	55%	2,886,822	94%	3,991	71%
SE Asia *(4.5 B)*	39,594,191	9%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	83,384	31%	13,165,840	56%	1,614	57%
India (1.4 B)	32,077,706	4%	519,080,524	38%	429,669	4%
Europe *(741.4 M)*	61,931,642	8%
Ukraine (42 M)	2,262,601	1%	6,533,719	87%	53,173	1%
Americas *(1 B)*	79,380,211	7%
Haiti (11.1 M)	20,507	6%	14,074	–	576	18%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	55,790	10%	369,960	28%	1,254	10%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	40,574	15%	645,245	78%	1,144	19%
USA (382.2 M)	35,957,692	7%	353,040,395	6%	613,647	2%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
**Total vaccine doses administered
*** On 14 July, Haiti received its first 500,000 doses of the vaccine
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

I-TECH Updates: I-TECH Seattle employees will be returning to the office on September 13, 2021. Department leadership is monitoring COVID-19 status closely to ensure that policies are aligned to public health guidance.

New USG Guidance: PEPFAR technical guidance has been updated over the past month, with the most recent updates made 11 August 2021. Updates from 11 August 2021 include a new section on vaccine readiness and a revised continuum of virtual DREAMS content delivery figure.

16 July 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Monthly Digest, 16 July 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 16 July 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED**		DECEASED
Area (Population)	Today	% Change from May 27	Today	% Change from May 27	Today	% Change from May 27
Global (7.6 B)	188,332,972	12%	3,402,275,866	120%	4,063,453	16%
Africa (1.2 B)	4,495,778	29%
Botswana (2.3 M)	80,153	45%	170,181	212%	1,253	55%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1M)	48,959	4%	829,070	66%	319	6%
Kenya (51.4 M)	190,183	12%	1,477,916	57%	3,737	21%
Malawi (18.1 M)	40,713	19%	492,390	42%	1,276	11%
Mozambique (29.5M)	93,429	32%	508,184	29%	1,033	24%
Namibia (2.5 M)	108,785	103%	154,754	128%	2,240	184%
South Africa (57.8 M)	2,236,805	36%	4,236,718	2215%	65,595	17%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	509*	0%*			21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 )	76,281	97%	1,491,397	61%	2,332	47%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	36,402,329	17%
Cambodia (16.3M)	63,611	136%	8,421,951	165%	1,025	439%
India (1.4 B)	30,987,880	13%	377,352,501	88%	411,989	31%
Europe (741.4 M)	57,472,768	6%
Ukraine (42 M)	2,242,868	2%	3,489,723	129%	52,685	5%
Americas (1 B)	74,411,952	12%
Haiti (11.1 M)	19,374	38%	***	***	487	67%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	50,913	6%	288,320	75%	1,136	22%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	35,236	69%	362,583	476%	963	136%
USA (382.2 M)	33,643,529	2%	334,282,915	18%	603,170	3%

International Updates
New cases and deaths increased from previous week in all regions except the Americas. The Delta variant, which is a variant of concern, has been reported in all regions of the world and is likely going to become the dominant variant in Africa in the coming weeks. Many parts of Africa are experiencing a third wave of COVID-19 epidemic.

COVID-19 vaccine inequity is a global health and human rights crisis. About one-fourth of the world population has received at least one COVID-19 dose, but most vaccines administered are in a small number of high and upper middle-income countries. Vaccination supply shortages, medical oxygen, laboratory tests and reagents, and personal protective equipment are ongoing challenges to effectively responding to the pandemic.

I-TECH Updates
According to updated University of Washington travel policies, international travel is allowed without a waiver to countries where US Department of State (DOS) warnings are currently Level 3 and below. For countries where DOS warnings are currently Level 4, a travel waiver is still required and travel is discouraged. This includes Botswana, Haiti, India, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Trinidad and Tobago. I-TECH COVID Hub is creating a travel guidance document for international travel and will distribute it in the coming weeks.

New USG Guidance
PEPFAR technical guidance has been updated over the past month, with the most recent updates made on 14 July 2021. These most recent updates include information on the Delta variant; a link to the World Health Organization’s infection, prevention, and control updated interim guidance; reporting flexibility updates; orphan and vulnerable children and DREAMS program updates; and laboratory reagent information. To find future PEPFAR technical guidance updates, visit: https://www.state.gov/pepfar/coronavirus/.

21 May 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 21 May 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 21 May 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED**		DECEASED
Area (Population)	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	165,069,258	3%	1,422,282,170	13%	3,422,907	3%
Africa (1.2 B)	3,425,102	1%
Botswana (2.3 M)	53,318	9%	54,620	0%	774	3%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1M)	46,777	1%	332,895	28%	298	2%
Kenya (51.4 M)	166,382	1%	934,526	1%	3,035	3%
Malawi (18.1 M)	34,238	0.2%	334,682	3%	1,153	0%
Mozambique (29.5M)	70,509	0.3%	393,105	10%	828	0.2%
Namibia (2.5 M)	51,827	3%	38,855	0%	739	5%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,621,362	1%	182,983	0%	55,507	1%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	509*	0%*			21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 )	38,612	0.4%	814,258	15%	1,583	0.3%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	29,543,024	8%
Cambodia (16.3M)	23,697	12%	3,180,915	39%	164	15%
India (1.4 B)	26,031,991	8%	185,766,518	6%	291,331	11%
Europe (741.4 M)	53,901,375	1%
Ukraine (42 M)	2,170,398	2%	603,741	0%	48,899	3%
Americas (1 B)	65,573,768	2%
Haiti (11.1 M)	13,624	3%			276	3%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	47,672	1%	153,146	5%	902	8%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	17,669	23%	62,947	6%	331	41%
USA (382.2 M)	32,706,250	1%	264,357,485	3%	582,346	1%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
**Total doses administered
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

14 May 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 14 May 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 14 May 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED**		DECEASED
Area (Population)	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	160,686,749	4%	1,264,164,553	8%	3,335,948	3%
Africa (1.2 B)	3,378,531	1%
Botswana (2.3 M)	49,041	2%	54,260	0%	751	4%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1M)	46,516	1%	260,674	68%	292	0.3%
Kenya (51.4 M)	164,386	2%	926,036	3%	2,950	4%
Malawi (18.1 M)	34,186	0.1%	324,328	6%	1,153	0.2%
Mozambique (29.5M)	70,287	0.3%	355,995	151%	826	1%
Namibia (2.5 M)	50,515	2%	38,855	158%	702	5%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,602,031	1%	182,983	0%	54,968	1%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	509*	0%*			21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 )	38,466	0.3%	709,772	27%	1,579	0.3%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	27,409,639	13%
Cambodia (16.3M)	21,141	25%	2,284,788	0%	142	29%
India (1.4 B)	24,046,809	14%	175,171,482	9%	262,317	14%
Europe (741.4 M)	53,259,824	2%
Ukraine (42 M)	2,135,886	2%	603,741	3%	47,333	4%
Americas (1 B)	64,341,942	2%
Haiti (11.1 M)	13,268	1%			269	2%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	47,020	2%	145,258	4%	834	5%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	14,417	23%	59,377	37%	235	27%
USA (382.2 M)	32,496,486	1%	256,126,513	6%	578,257	1%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
**Total doses administered
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

New USG Guidance: Updated PEPFAR technical guidance was released on 12 May 2021. Sections on supply chain and personal protective equipment (PPE) were updated.

7 May 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 7 May 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 7 May 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED**		DECEASED
Area (Population)	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	154,815,600	3%	1,170,942,729	17%	3,236,104	2%
Africa (1.2 B)	3,340,121	1%
Botswana (2.3 M)	47,851	2%	54,620	0%	724	2%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1M)	46,231	1%	155,018	31%	291	2%
Kenya (51.4 M)	161,393	2%	900,986	9%	2,825	4%
Malawi (18.1 M)	34,143	0.2%	307,218	7%	1,151	0.3%
Mozambique (29.5M)	70,052	0.3%	141,640	0%	818	0.5%
Namibia (2.5 M)	49,323	2%	15,060	0%	667	5%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,588,221	1%	182,983	0%	54,557	0.4%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	509*	0%*			21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 )	38,357	0.3%	559,777	29%	1,574	0.4%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	24,269,809	11%
Cambodia (16.3M)	16,971	34%	2,284,788	19%	110	21%
India (1.4 B)	21,077,410	12%	160,418,105	9%	230,168	10%
Europe (741.4 M)	52,441,169	2%
Ukraine (42 M)	2,097,024	1%	584,620	11%	45,451	3%
Americas (1 B)	62,910,688	2%
Haiti (11.1 M)	13,164	1%			263	4%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	46,194	2%	139,993	3%	794	3%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	11,706	15%	43,277	88%	185	13%
USA (382.2 M)	32,167,970	1%	241,639,173	8%	572,987	1%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
**Total doses administered
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

New USG Guidance: PEPFAR technical guidance was released on 6 May 2021. Updates include evidence that people living with HIV (PLHIV) are at risk for severe COVID-19. Two articles describing the impact COVID-19 among PLHIV were linked.

30 April 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 30 April 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 30 April 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED**		DECEASED
Area (Population)	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	150,110,310	4%	1,001,457,859	11%	3,158,792	3%
Africa (1.2 B)	3,301,086	2%
Botswana (2.3 M)	46,934	5%	54,380	18%	712	4%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1M)	45,998	1%	118,224	14%	286	3%
Kenya (51.4 M)	158,821	3%	827,671	10%	2,707	7%
Malawi (18.1 M)	34,062	0%	285,824	8%	1,148	1%
Mozambique (29.5M)	69,864	1%	141,640	102%	814	1%
Namibia (2.5 M)	48,177	3%	15,060	320%	638	5%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,579,536	1%	182,983	0%	54,331	1%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	509*	0%			21	0%
Zimbabwe (14.4 )	38,235	1%	433,939	34%	1,567	1%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	21,847,392	14%
Cambodia (16.3M)	12,641	54%	1,915,966	24%	91	54%
India (1.4 B)	18,762,976	15%	147,727,054	14%	208,330	11%
Europe (741.4 M)	51,614,588	3%
Ukraine (42 M)	2,069,537	4%	528,032	17%	44,805	7%
Americas (1 B)	61,853,321	2%
Haiti (11.1 M)	13,056	1%			254	1%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	45,414	2%	135,725	0.2%	770	3%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	10,170	10%	22,996	81%	163	4%
USA (382.2 M)	31,889,171	1%	223,293,713	10%	568,836	1%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
**Total doses administered
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

New USG Guidance: PEPFAR technical guidance was released on 28 April 2021. No new updates.

23 April 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 23 April 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 23 April 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED**		DECEASED
Area (Population)	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	144,099,374	4%	899,936,102	20%	3,061,912	3%
Africa (1.2 B)	3,249,234	1%
Botswana (2.3 M)	44,702	3%	46,158	36%	684	3%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1M)	45,697	1%	104,153	71%	277	3%
Kenya (51.4 M)	153,488	4%	750,998	154%	2,540	5%
Malawi (18.1 M)	33,975	0%	263,931	15%	1,142	1%
Mozambique (29.5M)	69,437	1%	70,000	0%	805	1%
Namibia (2.5 M)	46,954	2%	3,587	139%	609	3%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,569,935	1%	182,923	0%	53,940	1%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	509*	0%*			21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 )	37,980	2%	325,007	68%	1,555	0%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	19,237,975	12%
Cambodia (16.3M)	8,193	57%	1,541,896	177%	59	64%
India (1.4 B)	16,263,695	14%	130,027,370	25%	186,920	7%
Europe (741.4 M)	50,075,398	3%
Ukraine (42 M)	1,990,353	5%	450,651	19%	41,266	7%
Americas (1 B)	60,513,486	2%
Haiti (11.1 M)	12,944	1%			251	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	44,502	3%	135,473	184%	751	8%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	9,216	7%	12,725	276%	157	6%
USA (382.2 M)	31,530,214	1%	202,553,704	13%	564,091	1%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
**Total doses administered
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

New USG Guidance: PEPFAR technical guidance was released on 21 April 2021. Updates describe HIV testing guidance in communities with continued COVID-19 transmission.

16 April 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 16 April 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 16 April 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED**		DECEASED
Area (Population)	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	138,411,980	4%	751,445,145	12%	2,974,642	3%
Africa (1.2 B)	3,202,032	1%
Botswana (2.3 M)	43,444	4%	33,981	–	663	8%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1M)	45,265	1%	60,823	23%	269	4%
Kenya (51.4 M)	148,128	4%	295,975	5%	2,420	6%
Malawi (18.1 M)	33,891	0.5%	229,220	44%	1,134	1%
Mozambique (29.5M)	68,927	1%	70,000	0%	794	1%
Namibia (2.5 M)	46,051	2%	1,501	0%	592	6%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,561,559	0.4%	182,983	0%	53,498	1%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	509*	0%*			21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 )	37,369	1%	193,677	126%	1,548	1%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	17,176,307	8%
Cambodia (16.3M)	5,218	72%	555,650	0%	36	50%
India (1.4 B)	14,291,917	9%	104,365,035	18%	174,308	4%
Europe (741.4 M)	48,473,383	4%
Ukraine (42 M)	1,903,765	6%	378,269	13%	38,658	7%
Americas (1 B)	59,053,949	3%
Haiti (11.1 M)	12,876	0.5%			252	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	43,240	4%	47,728	42%	697	8%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	8,596	4%	3,385	198%	148	2%
USA (382.2 M)	31,103,006	2%	179,166,363	16%	559,010	1%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
**Total doses administered
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

New USG Guidance: PEPFAR technical guidance was posted on 14 April 2021, but no updates were included.

9 April 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 9 April 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 9 April 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED**		DECEASED
Area (Population)	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	133,146,550	4%	669,248,795	22%	2,888,503	3%
Africa (1.2 B)	3,155,757	2%
Botswana (2.3 M)	41,710	5%			616	8%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1M)	44,975	2%	49,323	34%	258	6%
Kenya (51.4 M)	143,063	7%	282,518	2,990%	2,292	6%
Malawi (18.1 M)	33,738	1%	159,574	43%	1,125	1%
Mozambique (29.5M)	68,466	1%	70,000	0%	788	2%
Namibia (2.5 M)	45,054	2%	1,501	888%	557	7%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,554,975	>1%	182,983	0%	53,173	1%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	509*	0%*	–	–	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 )	37,052	>1%	85,866	95%	1,532	1%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	15,853,498	6%
Cambodia (16.3M)	3,028	24%	555,650	38%	24	71%
India (1.4 B)	13,060,542	7%	88,372,277	62%	167,642	3%
Europe (741.4 M)	46,694,768	4%
Ukraine (42 M)	1,803,998	7%	334,578	35%	35,962	8%
Americas (1 B)	57,510,180	3%
Haiti (11.1 M)	12,816	>1%	–	–	252	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	41,064	6%	33,642	0%	646	8%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	8,235	3%	1,137	0%	145	2%
USA (382.2 M)	30,615,849	2%	154,238,865	14%	553,801	1%

New USG Guidance

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 7 April 2021. Guidance related to continuing HIV testing in communities where COVID-19 is increasing was described. Also, if you are considering Site Improvement through Monitoring System (SIMS) adaptations due to COVID-19, please review SIMS 4.1 Implementation Guide during planning.

2 April 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 2 April 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 2 April 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED**		DECEASED
Area (Population)	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	128,540,982	3%	547,727,346	20%	2,808,308	2%
Africa (1.2 B)	3,097,533	2%
Botswana (2.3 M)	39,848	6%			568	17
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1M)	43,889	6%	36,832	32%	244	9%
Kenya (51.4 M)	134,058	7%	9,144	0%	2,153	4%
Malawi (18.1 M)	33,551	1%	111,628	188%	1,117	1%
Mozambique (29.5M)	67,579	1%	70,000	0%	775	3%
Namibia (2.5 M)	44,139	3%	152		523	4%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,548,157	1%	182,983	0%	52,846	1%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	509*	0%			21*	0%
Zimbabwe (14.4 )	36,882	0%	44,135	0%	1,523	0%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	14,911,540	3%
Cambodia (16.3M)	2,440	30%	401,972	0%	14	100%
India (1.4 B)	12,221,665	3%	54,665,820	9%	162,927	1%
Europe (741.4 M)	45,112,584	4%
Ukraine (42 M)	1,691,737	6%	248,736	60%	33,246	7%
Americas (1 B)	55,941,329	2%
Haiti (11.1 M)	12,762	0%			252	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	39,237	6%	33,642	109%	596	9%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	8,004	1%	1,137	0%	142	1%
USA (382.2 M)	30,095,776	1%	135,544,787	15%	545,887	1%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
**Total doses administered
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

26 March 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 26 March 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 26 March 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases, Vaccinations**, and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED**		DECEASED
Area (Population)	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	124,871,140	3%	456,822,613	25%	2,744,543	2%
Africa (1.2 B)	3,036,768	2%
Botswana (2.3 M)	37,559	7%	–	–	485	9%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1M)	41,307	8%	27,866	257%	224	5%
Kenya (51.4 M)	124,707	7%	9,144	0%	2,066	7%
Malawi (18.1 M)	33,354	1%	38,707	326%	1,105	2%
Mozambique (29.5M)	66,649	2%	70,000	–	752	3%
Namibia (2.5 M)	42,864	3%	***	***	502	5%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,540,009	0%	182,983	9%	52,373	1%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	509*	0%*	–	–	21*	0%
Zimbabwe (14.4 )	36,749	1%	44,135	12%	1,516	1%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	14,476,676	3%
Cambodia (16.3M)	1,872	19%	401,972	22%	7	600%
India (1.4 B)	11,846,652	3%	50,075,162	44%	160,949	1%
Europe (741.4 M)	43,403,111	4%
Ukraine (42 M)	1,596,575	6%	155,587	151%	31,135	6%
Americas (1 B)	54,800,639	2%
Haiti (11.1 M)	12,736	0%	–	–	251	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	37,128	11%	16,096	496%	546	7%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	7,903	1%	1,137	0%	141	1%
USA (382.2 M)	29,718,930	1%	118,170,648	20%	540,320	1%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
**Total doses administered
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

New USG Guidance: PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 24 March 2021. Guidance on voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) programming has been updated, specifically on re-starting programs in the context of COVID-19.

19 March 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 19 March 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 19 March 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED		VACCINATED**		DECEASED
Area (Population)	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	121,209,510	3%	364,184,603	–	2,680,469	2%
Africa (1.2 B)	2,974,616	2%
Botswana (2.3 M)	34,999	6%			447	8%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	38,282	6%	7,820	–	214	4%
Kenya (51.4 M)	116,310	5%	9,144	–	1,937	2%
Malawi (18.1 M)	32,970	1%	9,091	–	1,088	1%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	65,197	3%			733	4%
Namibia (2.5 M)	41,546	3%			477	6%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,532,497	1%	168,413	–	51,634	1%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	0%*			21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	36,553	1%	39,550	–	1,508	1%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	14,080,960	2%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	1,578	29%	328,526	–	1	0%
India (1.4 B)	11,514,331	2%	34,859,345	–	159,370	1%
Europe (741.4 M)	41,811,235	3%
Ukraine (42 M)	1,504,076	6%	62,083	–	29,253	6%
Americas (1 B)	53,536,387	2%
Haiti (11.1 M)	12,688	0%			251	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	33,366	15%	2,700	–	511	8%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	7,807	1%	1,137	–	140	0%
USA (382.2 M)	29,317,562	1%	98,081,045	–	532,971	1%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
**Total doses administered
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

New USG Guidance: PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 17 March 2021. Updates included guidance for incorporating infection prevention and control interventions and emphasis on HIV self-testing for monitoring pre-exposure prophylaxis. Links to other resources including information about hand hygiene and maximizing face coverings and medical masks were also included.

12 March 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 12 March 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 12 March 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	December 18	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	115,094,614	118,058,503	3%	2,560,995	2,621,046	2%
Africa (1.2 B)	2,871,972	2,924,244	2%
Botswana (2.3 M)	30,727	32,912	7%	332	413	24%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	33,285	36,028	8%	194	206	6%
Kenya (51.4 M)	106,801	110,356	3%	1,866	1,898	2%
Malawi (18.1 M)	32,229	32,614	1%	1,056	1,077	2%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	60,395	63,174	5%	668	707	6%
Namibia (2.5 M)	39,297	40,451	3%	434	448	3%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,516,262	1,524,174	1%	50,366	51,015	1%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	36,179	36,341	>1%	1,4,78	1,489	>1%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	13,632,174	13,819,871	1%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	932	1,225	31%	0	1	–
India (1.4 B)	11,173,761	11,308,846	1%	157,548	158,306	>1%
Europe (741.4 M)	39,229,992	40,438,291	3%
Ukraine (42 M)	1,374,762	1,425,522	4%	26,591	27,685	4%
Americas (1 B)	51,158,352	52,386,995	2%
Haiti (11.1 M)	12,536	12,632	1%	250	251	>1%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	24,444	28,968	19%	436	475	9%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	7,723	7,743	>1%	139	140	1%
USA (382.2 M)	28,468,736	28,940,137	2%	515,013	525,495	2%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

Vaccine rollout has begun! In Jamaica, health care workers and vulnerable groups will begin getting the AstraZeneca vaccine this week. Mozambique will also start vaccinating 65,000 health care workers with either Sinovac or AstraZeneca vaccines this week. In Zimbabwe, Phase 1 of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program has started, which includes health care workers — 36,019 frontline health workers in Zimbabwe have been vaccinated to date!

New USG Guidance

The PEPFAR technical guidance for COVID-19 was updated on 11 March 2021. The update includes information about three independent coronavirus variants.

5 March 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 5 March 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 5 March 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	December 18	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	112,456,453	115,094,614	2%	2,497,514	2,560,995	3%
Africa (1.2 B)	2,819,018	2,871,972	2%
Botswana (2.3 M)	27,721	30,727	11%	300	332	11%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	32,295	33,285	3%	188	194	3%
Kenya (51.4 M)	104,780	106,801	2%	1,839	1,866	1%
Malawi (18.1 M)	31,295	32,229	3%	1,029	1,056	3%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	56,920	60,395	6%	608	668	10%
Namibia (2.5 M)	37,976	39,297	3%	413	434	5%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,507,448	1,516,262	1%	49,523	50,366	2%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	35,960	36,179	1%	1,456	1,478	2%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	13,466,857	13,632,174	1%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	741	932	26%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	11,063,491	11,173,761	1%	156,825	157,548	0%
Europe (741.4 M)	38,176,678	39,229,992	3%
Ukraine (42 M)	1,325,841	1,374,762	4%	25,596	26,591	4%
Americas (1 B)	50,056,801	51,158,352	2%
Haiti (11.1 M)	12,352	12,536	1%	247	250	1%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	22,267	24,444	10%	410	436	6%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	7,690	7,723	0%	139	139	0%
USA (382.2 M)	28,028,815	28,468,736	2%	501,414	515,013	3%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

New USG Guidance: PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 3 March 2021. The update includes guidance on COVID-19 vaccines people and living with HIV.

26 February 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 26 February 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 26 February 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	December 18	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	109,594,835	112,456,453	3%	2,424,060	2,497,514	3%
Africa (1.2 B)	2,760,712	2,819,018	2%
Botswana (2.3 M)	25,812	27,721	7%	226	300	33%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	31,497	32,295	3%	180	188	4%
Kenya (51.4 M)	103,332	104,780	1%	1,801	1,839	2%
Malawi (18.1 M)	29,634	31,295	6%	976	1,029	5%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	52,629	56,920	8%	561	608	8%
Namibia (2.5 M)	36,501	37,976	4%	394	413	5%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,496,439	1,507,448	1%	48,478	49,523	2%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	35,423	35,960	2%	1,418	1,456	3%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	13,272,693	13,466,857	1%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	483	741	53%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	10,950,201	11,063,491	1%	156,014	156,825	1%
Europe (741.4 M)	37,112,768	38,176,678	3%
Ukraine (42 M)	1,287,141	1,325,841	3%	24,852	25,596	3%
Americas (1 B)	48,788,209	50,056,801	3%
Haiti (11.1 M)	12,206	12,352	1%	247	247	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	20,016	22,267	11%	381	410	8%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	7,656	7,690	0%	138	139	1%
USA (382.2 M)	27,491,574	28,028,815	2%	484,379	501,414	4%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

19 February 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 19 February 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 19 February 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	December 18	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	107,252,265	109,594,835	2%	2,355,339	2,424,060	3%
Africa (1.2 B)	2,694,171	2,760,712	2%
Botswana (2.3 M)	24,435	25,812	6%	179	226	26%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	30,240	31,497	4%	169	180	7%
Kenya (51.4 M)	102,221	103,332	1%	1,791	1,801	1%
Malawi (18.1 M)	28,050	29,634	6%	900	976	8%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	46,736	52,629	13%	486	561	15%
Namibia (2.5 M)	35,242	36,501	4%	378	394	4%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,482,412	1,496,439	1%	47,145	48,478	3%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	34,864	35,423	2%	1,364	1,418	4%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	13,141,859	13,272,693	1%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	479	483	1%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	10,880,603	10,950,201	1%	155,447	156,014	0.4%
Europe (741.4 M)	36,132,951	37,112,768	3%
Ukraine (42 M)	1,258,094	1,287,141	2%	24,058	24,852	3%
Americas (1 B)	47,814,602	48,788,209	2%
Haiti (11.1 M)	12,016	12,206	2%	246	247	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	18,237	20,016	10%	363	381	5%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	7,631	7,656	0%	136	138	1%
USA (382.2 M)	27,020,890	27,491,574	2%	468,051	484,379	3%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

12 February 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 12 February 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 12 February 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	December 18	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	104,165,066	107,252,265	3%	2,265,354	2,355,339	4%
Africa (1.2 B)	2,616,892	2,694,171	3%
Botswana (2.3 M)	22,738	24,435	7%	148	179	21%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	28,739	30,240	5%	158	169	7%
Kenya (51.4 M)	101,159	102,221	1%	1,769	1,791	1%
Malawi (18.1 M)	25,499	28,050	10%	761	900	18%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	41,433	46,736	13%	415	486	17%
Namibia (2.5 M)	34,372	35,242	3%	359	378	5%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,463,016	1,482,412	1%	45,344	47,145	4%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	33,964	34,864	3%	1,269	1,364	7%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	12,982,540	13,141,859	1%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	470	479	2%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	10,802,591	10,880,603	1%	154,823	155,447	0.4%
Europe (741.4 M)	35,003,091	36,132,951	3%
Ukraine (42 M)	1,232,246	1,258,094	2%	23,229	24,058	4%
Americas (1 B)	46,313,540	47,814,602	3%
Haiti (11.1 M)	11,692	12,016	3%	245	246	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	16,250	18,237	12%	355	363	2%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	7,586	7,631	1%	135	136	1%
USA (382.2 M)	26,172,274	27,020,890	3%	443,256	468,051	6%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

New USG Guidance: PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 10 February 2021. No new guidance was given, but the laboratory guidance section was edited for consistency.

5 February 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 5 February 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 5 February 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	December 18	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	100,819,363	104,165,066	3%	2,176,159	2,265,354	4%
Africa (1.2 B)	2,523,516	2,616,892	4%
Botswana (2.3 M)	20,658	22,738	10%	124	148	19%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	27,456	28,739	5%	151	158	5%
Kenya (51.4 M)	100,323	101,159	1%	1,751	1,769	1%
Malawi (18.1 M)	21,660	25,499	17%	555	761	37%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	34,926	41,433	19%	336	415	24%
Namibia (2.5 M)	33,255	34,372	3%	332	359	8%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,430,648	1,463,016	2%	42,550	45,344	7%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	32,304	33,964	5%	1,122	1,269	13%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	12,796,765	12,982,540	1%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	463	470	2%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	10,720,048	10,802,591	1%	154,010	154,823	1%
Europe (741.4 M)	33,711,696	35,003,091	4%
Ukraine (42 M)	1,206,412	1,232,246	2%	22,351	23,229	4%
Americas (1 B)	44,765,625	46,313,540	3%
Haiti (11.1 M)	11,402	11,692	3%	244	245	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	15,435	16,250	5%	344	355	3%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	7,509	7,586	1%	134	135	1%
USA (382.2 M)	25,354,044	26,172,274	3%	425,670	443,256	4%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

The national lockdown in Zimbabwe has been extended to 15 February 2021.

New USG Guidance

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 3 February 2021. Updates included guidance related to PEPFAR funding for COVID-19 uses. PEPFAR implementing partners may use funds from their PEPFAR program management budgets to pay for COVID-19 testing, test kits, and testing supplies ONLY for the purpose of providing COVID testing for PEPFAR-supported IP staff (HRH) as necessary to ensure safe, uninterrupted delivery of HIV services.

29 January 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 29 January 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 29 January 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	December 18	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	96,012,792	100,819,363	5%	2,075,870	2,176,159	5%
Africa (1.2 B)	2,395,260	2,523,516	5%
Botswana (2.3 M)	18,630	20,658	11%	88	124	41%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	25,597	27,456	7%	142	151	6%
Kenya (51.4 M)	99,444	100,323	1%	1,736	1,751	1%
Malawi (18.1 M)	14,851	21,660	46%	354	555	57%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	29,396	34,926	19%	271	336	24%
Namibia (2.5 M)	31,253	33,255	6%	301	332	10%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,369,426	1,430,648	4%	38,854	42,550	10%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	29,408	32,304	10%	879	1,122	28%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	12,597,011	12,796,765	2%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	456	463	2%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	10,625,428	10,720,048	1%	153,032	154,010	1%
Europe (741.4 M)	31,426,124	33,711,696	7%
Ukraine (42 M)	1,177,621	1,206,412	2%	21,499	22,351	4%
Americas (1 B)	42,807,169	44,765,625	5%
Haiti (11.1 M)	10,963	11,402	4%	240	244	2%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	14,550	15,435	6%	331	344	4%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	7,430	7,509	1%	133	134	1%
USA (382.2 M)	24,255,155	25,354,044	5%	402,803	425,670	6%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

New USG Guidance

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 27 January 2021. Updates include information regarding coronavirus mutations, training recommendations for PEPFAR health care workers to respond to HIV in the context of COVID-19, and guidance on ART initiation in newly HIV diagnosed persons with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Clarification on DREAMS activities and reporting and SIMs requirements were also included.

22 January 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 22 January 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 22 January 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	December 18	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	91,492,398	96,012,792	5%	1,979,507	2,075,870	5%
Africa (1.2 B)	2,237,380	2,395,260	7%
Botswana (2.3 M)	16,051	18,630	16%	48	88	83%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	24,186	25,597	6%	140	142	1%
Kenya (51.4 M)	98,555	99,444	1%	1,720	1,736	1%
Malawi (18.1 M)	9,991	14,851	49%	275	354	29%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	23,726	29,396	24%	205	271	32%
Namibia (2.5 M)	29,183	31,253	7%	271	301	11%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,278,303	1,369,426	7%	35,140	38,854	11%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	24,256	29,408	21%	589	879	49%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	12,399,976	12,597,011	2%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	426	456	7%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	10,527,683	10,625,428	1%	151,918	153,032	1%
Europe (741.4 M)	29,784,909	31,426,124	6%
Ukraine (42 M)	1,138,764	1,177,621	3%	20,376	21,499	6%
Americas (1 B)	40,548,449	42,807,169	6%
Haiti (11.1 M)	10,569	10,963	4%	238	240	1%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	13,915	14,550	5%	322	331	3%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	7,305	7,430	2%	129	133	3%
USA (382.2 M)	22,871,330	24,255,155	6%	381,522	402,803	6%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

Through gene sequencing, Jamaica has confirmed one case of the United Kingdom (UK) COVID-19 variant in a national who was returning from the UK.

I-TECH COVID-19 Staff Cases and Contacts

Country

Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*

Contacts (Exposed)**

Jamaica

Zimbabwe

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined

15 January 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 15 January 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 15 January 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	December 18	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	86,436,449	91,492,398	6%	1,884,341	1,979,507	5%
Africa (1.2 B)	2,047,423	2,237,380	9%
Botswana (2.3 M)	14,805	16,051	8%	42	48	14%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	22,855	24,186	6%	138	140	1%
Kenya (51.4 M)	97,398	98,555	1%	1,694	1,720	2%
Malawi (18.1 M)	7,337	9,991	36%	199	275	38%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	19,667	23,726	21%	172	205	19%
Namibia (2.5 M)	26,310	29,183	11%	235	271	15%
South Africa (57.8 M)	1,149,591	1,278,303	11%	31,368	35,140	12%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	17,804	24,256	36%	431	589	37%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	12,194,847	12,399,976	2%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	386	426	10%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	10,413,417	10,527,683	1%	150,570	151,918	1%
Europe (741.4 M)	27,961,717	29,784,909	7%
Ukraine (42 M)	1,099,493	1,138,764	4%	19,505	20,376	4%
Americas (1 B)	37,975,799	40,548,449	7%
Haiti (11.1 M)	10,203	10,569	4%	236	238	1%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	13,368	13,915	4%	306	322	5%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	7,196	7,305	2%	127	129	2%
USA (382.2 M)	21,170,475	22,871,330	8%	358,111	381,522	7%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

The Ministry of Health in Namibia has sent samples to South Africa for genome analysis to determine whether the COVID-19 strain in South Africa is in Namibia, too.

I-TECH Updates

Many I-TECH network offices have maintained or resumed working from home given the increase in cases. Programs are constantly adapting to local needs across the network due to COVID-19 cases and government shifts. In Zimbabwe, the Zim-TTECH voluntary medical male circumcision team was recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Office of the United States Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) for their flexibility and innovation in supporting care and treatment services during COVID-19.

I-TECH COVID-19 Staff Cases and Contacts

Country	Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*	Contacts (Exposed)**
Jamaica	1	4
Malawi	4	4
Mozambique	1
Namibia	6	4
Zimbabwe	16	21

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined

New USG Guidance

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 6 January 2021 and 13 January 2021. In the 6 January guidance, information related to new coronavirus mutations was described with links to information on the World Health Organization website. The guidance also included guidelines for eye protection worn with medical masks. The 13 January guidance addresses site safety–including infection prevention and control interventions–and gives laboratory service guidance for funding COVID-19 testing, test kits, and supplies for PEPFAR-supported human resources for health staff.

8 January 2021

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 8 January 2021

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 8 January 2021.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	December 18	This Week	% Change	December 18	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	73,275,943	86,436,449	18%	1,650,348	1,884,341	14%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,671,539	2,047,423	22%
Botswana (2.3 M)	12,873	14,805	15%	38	42	11%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	21,741	22,855	5%	133	138	4%
Kenya (51.4 M)	92,459	97,398	5%	1,604	1,694	6%
Malawi (18.1 M)	6,091	7,337	20%	187	199	6%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	17,143	19,667	15%	145	172	19%
Namibia (2.5 M)	17,276	26,310	52%	164	235	43%
South Africa (57.8 M)	883,687	1,149,591	30%	23,827	31,368	32%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	11,522	17,804	55%	310	431	39%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	11,537,081	12,194,847	6%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	362	386	7%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	9,979,447	10,413,417	4%	144,789	150,570	4%
Europe (741.4 M)	22,884,885	27,961,717	22%
Ukraine (42 M)	931,751	1,099,493	18%	15,996	19,505	22%
Americas (1 B)	31,573,039	37,975,799	20%
Haiti (11.1 M)	9,627	10,203	6%	234	236	1%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	11,968	13,368	12%	279	306	10%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	6,917	7,196	4%	123	127	3%
USA (382.2 M)	16,682,649	21,170,475	27%	304,960	358,111	17%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

Zimbabwe is experiencing a second wave and is implementing lockdown measures starting 4 January 2021 for 30 days. Ukraine will go into a nationwide lockdown from 8 January to 24 January 2021. In both Ukraine and Zimbabwe, only essential services will remain open.

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts

Country	Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*	Contacts (Exposed)**
Jamaica	1	4
Malawi	2	3
Mozambique	1
Zimbabwe	11

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined

New USG Guidance

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 16 December 2020. COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for people living with HIV (PLHIV) was released. CDC advises that all PLHIV may receive mRNA COVID-19 vaccines unless otherwise contraindicated.

18 December 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 18 December 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 18 December 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	68,845,368	73,275,943	6%	1,570,304	1,650,348	5%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,585,594	1,671,539	5%
Botswana (2.3 M)	12,058	12,873	7%	34	38	12%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	21,547	21,741	1%	133	133	0%
Kenya (51.4 M)	89,661	92,459	3%	1,552	1,604	3%
Malawi (18.1 M)	6,051	6,091	1%	186	187	1%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	16,440	17,143	4%	138	145	5%
Namibia (2.5 M)	15,472	17,276	12%	155	164	6%
South Africa (57.8 M)	828,598	883,687	7%	22,574	23,827	6%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	11,007	11,522	5%	304	310	2%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	11,279,038	11,537,081	2%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	357	362	1%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	9,796,769	9,979,447	2%	142,186	144,789	2%
Europe (741.4 M)	21,128,809	22,884,885	8%
Ukraine (42 M)	858,714	931,751	9%	14,470	15,996	11%
Americas (1 B)	29,467,378	31,573,039	7%
Haiti (11.1 M)	9,434	9,627	2%	233	234	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	11,443	11,968	5%	270	279	3%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	6,808	6,917	2%	122	123	1%
USA (382.2 M)	15,203,208	16,682,649	10%	287,384	304,960	6%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

International distribution of vaccines has begun! Visit the World Health Organization (WHO) website for more COVID-19 vaccine information and the COVAX site for information on WHO’s collaborating work with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and Gavi to ensure global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts

Country	Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*	Contacts (Exposed)**
Namibia	1	1
Zimbabwe	3	7
Haiti	4

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined

11 December 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 11 December 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 11 December 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	64,350,473	68,845,368	7%	1,494,668	1,570,304	5%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,520,631	1,585,594	4%
Botswana (2.3 M)	9,992	12,058	21%	31	34	10%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	21,361	21,547	1%	132	133	1%
Kenya (51.4 M)	85,130	89,661	5%	1,484	1,552	5%
Malawi (18.1 M)	6,040	6,051	0%	185	186	1%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	15,866	16,440	4%	132	138	5%
Namibia (2.5 M)	14,477	15,472	7%	152	155	2%
South Africa (57.8 M)	796,472	828,598	4%	21,709	22,574	4%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	10,243	11,007	7%	277	304	10%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	10,975,368	11,279,038	3%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	335	357	7%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	9,571,559	9,796,769	2%	139,188	142,186	2%
Europe (741.4 M)	19,291,035	21,128,809	10%
Ukraine (42 M)	772,760	858,714	11%	12,960	14,470	12%
Americas (1 B)	27,438,341	29,467,378	7%
Haiti (11.1 M)	9,313	9,434	1%	233	233	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	10,911	11,443	5%	259	270	4%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	6,704	6,808	2%	121	122	1%
USA (382.2 M)	13,759,500	15,203,208	10%	271,233	287,384	6%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts

Country

Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*

Contacts (Exposed)**

Namibia

Zimbabwe

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined

4 December 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 4 December 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 4 December 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Two Weeks Ago*	This Week	% Change	Two Weeks Ago*	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	56,261,952	64,350,473	14%	1,349,506	1,494,668	11%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,423,575	1,520,631	7%
Botswana (2.3 M)	9,103	9,992	10%	29	31	7%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	21,045	21,361	2%	129	132	2%
Kenya (51.4 M)	72,686	85,130	17%	1,313	1,484	13%
Malawi (18.1 M)	5,998	6,040	1%	185	185	0%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	14,629	15,866	8%	119	132	11%
Namibia (2.5 M)	13,610	14,477	6%	140	152	9%
South Africa (57.8 M)	757,144	796,472	5%	20,556	21,709	6%
Tanzania (56.3 M)**	509**	509**	0%**	21**	21**	0%**
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	8,981	10,243	14%	261	277	6%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	10,254,537	10,975,368	7%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	304	335	10%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	9,004,365	9,571,559	6%	132,162	139,188	5%
Europe (741.4 M)	15,999,670	19,291,035	21%
Ukraine (42 M)	583,510	772,760	32%	10,369	12,960	25%
Americas (1 B)	24,035,426	27,438,341	14%
Haiti (11.1 M)	9,208	9,313	1%	232	233	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	10,088	10,911	8%	235	259	10%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	6,180	6,704	8%	113	121	7%
USA (382.2 M)	11,413,788	13,759,500	21%	248,571	271,233	9%

* Last reported on 20 November 2020
** Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 29 April 2020
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

Cases numbers are increasing globally. Some countries are reinstating or maintaining safety regulations and protocols. Cambodia has implemented new regulations; they have closed non-essential businesses including factories, reduced gathering sizes, and imposed travel restrictions. Jamaica extended a curfew through December.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have revised quarantine guidelines for people who have been exposed to COVID-19. The World Health Organization quarantine guidelines remain unchanged.

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts

Country

Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*

Contacts (Exposed)**

Zimbabwe

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined

20 November 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 20 November 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 20 November 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	52,177,708	56,261,952	8%	1,286,063	1,349,506	5%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,380,175	1,423,575	3%
Botswana (2.3 M)	7,835	9,103	16%	27	29	7%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	20,855	21,045	1%	127	129	2%
Kenya (51.4 M)	65,804	72,686	10%	1,180	1,313	11%
Malawi (18.1 M)	5,955	5,998	1%	185	185	0%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	13,991	14,629	5%	104	119	14%
Namibia (2.5 M)	13,292	13,610	2%	134	140	4%
South Africa (57.8 M)	742,394	757,144	2%	20,011	20,556	3%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	8,667	8,981	4%	255	261	2%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	9,908,674	10,254,537	3%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	301	304	1%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	8,728,795	9,004,365	3%	128,668	132,162	3%
Europe (741.4 M)	14,184,665	15,999,670	13%
Ukraine (42 M)	500,865	583,510	17%	9,145	10,369	13%
Americas (1 B)	22,438,205	24,035,426	7%
Haiti (11.1 M)	9,152	9,208	1%	232	232	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	9,634	10,088	5%	225	235	4%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	5,904	6,180	5%	111	113	2%
USA (382.2 M)	10,266,631	11,413,788	11%	240,044	248,571	4%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

COVID-19 Presentation in Ukraine

In Ukraine on 17 November, Dr. Jeremy Penner presented an analysis of the latest evidence on COVID-19 treatment among people who live with HIV (PLHIV). The session attracted more than 100 attendees, including health care workers and officials from the Centers from Disease Control and Ministry of Health.

13 November 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 13 November 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 13 November 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	44,592,789	48,196,862	8%	1,175,553	1,226,813	4%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,308,041	1,340,843	3%
Botswana (2.3 M)	6,283	6,642	6%	21	24	14%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	20,555	20,778	1%	124	126	2%
Kenya (51.4 M)	51,851	58,587	13%	950	1,051	11%
Malawi (18.1 M)	5,904	5,934	1%	184	184	0%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	12,415	13,283	7%	91	95	4%
Namibia (2.5 M)	12,806	13,046	2%	133	133	0%
South Africa (57.8 M)	719,714	730,548	2%	19,111	19,585	2%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	8,320	8,427	1%	242	248	2%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	9,138,338	9,529,882	4%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	291	292	0%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	8,088,851	8,411,724	4%	121,090	124,985	3%
Europe (741.4 M)	10,229,790	12,158,760	19%
Ukraine (42 M)	370,417	430,467	16%	6,868	7,924	15%
Americas (1 B)	20,151,141	21,168,405	5%
Haiti (11.1 M)	9,054	9,109	1%	232	232	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	8,927	9,373	5%	202	217	7%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	5,594	5,764	3%	107	110	3%
USA (382.2 M)	8,763,682	9,387,978	7%	226,132	232,166	3%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a second wave starting in Zimbabwe.

6 November 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 6 November 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 6 November 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	44,592,789	48,196,862	8%	1,175,553	1,226,813	4%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,308,041	1,340,843	3%
Botswana (2.3 M)	6,283	6,642	6%	21	24	14%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	20,555	20,778	1%	124	126	2%
Kenya (51.4 M)	51,851	58,587	13%	950	1,051	11%
Malawi (18.1 M)	5,904	5,934	1%	184	184	0%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	12,415	13,283	7%	91	95	4%
Namibia (2.5 M)	12,806	13,046	2%	133	133	0%
South Africa (57.8 M)	719,714	730,548	2%	19,111	19,585	2%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	8,320	8,427	1%	242	248	2%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	9,138,338	9,529,882	4%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	291	292	0%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	8,088,851	8,411,724	4%	121,090	124,985	3%
Europe (741.4 M)	10,229,790	12,158,760	19%
Ukraine (42 M)	370,417	430,467	16%	6,868	7,924	15%
Americas (1 B)	20,151,141	21,168,405	5%
Haiti (11.1 M)	9,054	9,109	1%	232	232	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	8,927	9,373	5%	202	217	7%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	5,594	5,764	3%	107	110	3%
USA (382.2 M)	8,763,682	9,387,978	7%	226,132	232,166	3%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

New USG Guidance This Week

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 4 November. Significant updates were made to human resources for health, including resuming service delivery, maintaining essential services, training updates, COVID-19 testing recommendations for symptomatic PEPFAR-supported health care workers, personal protective equipment updates, and allowability of hazard pay.

30 October 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 30 October 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 30 October 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	41,332,899	44,592,789	8%	1,132,879	1,175,553	4%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,276,311	1,308,041	2%
Botswana (2.3 M)	5,609	6,283	12%	21	21	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	20,363	20,555	1%	121	124	2%
Kenya (51.4 M)	46,144	51,851	12%	858	950	11%
Malawi (18.1 M)	5,864	5,904	1%	183	184	1%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	11,331	12,415	10%	79	91	15%
Namibia (2.5 M)	12,406	12,806	3%	133	133	0%
South Africa (57.8 M)	708,359	719,714	2%	18,741	19,111	2%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	8,215	8,320	1%	236	242	3%
SE Asia (4.5 B)	8,744,934	9,138,338	4%
Cambodia (16.3 M)	286	291	2%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	7,761,312	8,088,851	4%	117,306	121,090	3%
Europe (741.4 M)	8,576,945	10,229,790	19%
Ukraine (42 M)	322,879	370,417	15%	6,043	6,868	14%
Americas (1 B)	19,174,454	20,151,141	5%
Haiti (11.1 M)	8,979	9,054	1%	231	232	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	8,600	8,927	4%	179	202	13%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	5,392	5,594	4%	101	107	6%
USA (382.2 M)	8,248,149	8,763,682	6%	220,563	226,132	3%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

Europe is experiencing a second surge of COVID-19 cases. The number of cases reported in the region increased 41% and accounts for 46% of total global COVID-19 cases. Ukraine has extended quarantine restrictions until 31 December due to the upsurge of new COVID-19 cases. In the United States, cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the country are at the highest level they have been during the pandemic.

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts^

Country

Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*

Contacts (Exposed)**

Namibia

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined
^ not updated from last week

New USG Guidance This Week

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 28 October. Guidance related to orphan and vulnerable children programming, fertility awareness methods of contraception for women, and service delivery for faith and community-based organizations was updated.

23 October 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 23 October 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 23 October 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	38,619,674	41,332,899	7%	1,093,522	1,132,879	4%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,245,204	1,276,311	2%
Botswana (2.3 M)	5,039	5,609	11%	20	21	5%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	20,217	20,363	1%	121	121	0%
Kenya (51.4 M)	42,541	46,144	8%	797	858	8%
Malawi (18.1 M)	5,829	5,864	1%	181	183	1%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	10,392	11,331	9%	73	79	8%
Namibia (2.5 M)	12,069	12,406	3%	130	133	2%
South Africa (57.8 M)	696,414	708,359	2%	18,151	18,741	3%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	8,055	8,215	2%	231	236	2%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	283	286	1%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	7,370,468	7,761,312	5%	112,161	117,306	5%
Europe (741.4 M)	7,406,193	8,576,945	16%
Ukraine (42 M)	281,239	322,879	15%	5,302	6,043	14%
Americas (1 B)	18,312,080	19,174,454	5%
Haiti (11.1 M)	8,908	8,979	1%	231	231	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	8,067	8,600	7%	160	179	12%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	5,154	5,392	5%	93	101	9%
USA (382.2 M)	7,833,851	8,248,149	5%	215,199	220,563	2%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

New USG Guidance This Week

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 21 October. Condom provision and cervical cancer screening guidance for integrated women’s health, and infant diagnosis and treatment services as part of maternal and child health were updated.

16 October 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 16 October 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 16 October 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	36,361,054	38,619,674	6%	1,056,186	1,093,522	4%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,218,782	1,245,204	2%
Botswana (2.3 M)	3,219	5,039	57%	18	20	11%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	19,982	20,217	1%	120	121	1%
Kenya (51.4 M)	40,178	42,541	6%	751	797	6%
Malawi (18.1 M)	5,809	5,829	0%	180	181	1%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	9,639	10,392	8%	68	73	7%
Namibia (2.5 M)	11,781	12,069	2%	127	130	2%
South Africa (57.8 M)	686,891	696,414	1%	17,408	18,151	4%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%	21*	21	0%
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	7,951	8,055	1%	229	231	1%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	282	283	0%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	6,906,151	7,370,468	7%	106,490	112,161	5%
Europe (741.4 M)	6,676,012	7,406,193	11%
Ukraine (42 M)	250,538	281,239	12%	4,779	5,302	11%
Americas (1 B)	17,512,753	18,312,080	5%
Haiti (11.1 M)	8,854	8,908	1%	230	231	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	7,273	8,067	11%	128	160	25%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	4,887	5,154	5%	84	93	11%
USA (382.2 M)	7,471,688	7,833,851	5%	210,338	215,199	2%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts

Country

Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*

Contacts (Exposed)**

Ukraine

I-TECH Training Update

I-TECH has conducted nearly 70 COVID-related trainings, reaching approximately 6,000 staff, clinicians, and other health workers. Trainings have taken place in Cambodia, Caribbean Region, India, Kenya, Malawi, and Mozambique, with topics ranging from worker safety measures (hand washing, social distancing) to epidemiology, clinical management, and mental health and racial disparities amid COVID-19.

New USG Guidance This Week

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 14 October. Several updates were included regarding PrEP and VMMC services.

9 October 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 9 October 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 9 October 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	34,079,542	36,361,054	7%	1,015,963	1,056,186	4%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,187,269	1,218,782	3%
Botswana (2.3 M)	3,172	3,219	1%	16	18	13%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	19,724	19,982	1%	120	120	0%
Kenya (51.4 M)	38,529	40,178	4%	711	751	6%
Malawi (18.1 M)	5,773	5,809	1%	179	180	1%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	8,728	9,639	10%	61	68	11%
Namibia (2.5 M)	11,265	11,781	5%	121	127	5%
South Africa (57.8 M)	674,339	686,891	2%	16,734	17,408	4%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	7,838	7,951	1%	228	229	0%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	278	282	1%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	6,394,068	6,906,151	8%	99,773	106,490	7%
Europe (741.4 M)	5,937,969	6,676,012	12%
Ukraine (42 M)	213,028	250,538	18%	4,193	4,779	14%
Americas (1 B)	16,743,243	17,512,753	5%
Haiti (11.1 M)	8,766	8,854	1%	229	230	0%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	6,555	7,273	11%	111	128	15%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	4,542	4,887	8%	76	84	11%
USA (382.2 M)	7,160,476	7,471,688	4%	205,666	210,338	2%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

New USG Guidance this Week

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 23 September and 7 October. In the 23 September guidance, DREAMS implementation updates were described, and information about working with orphans and vulnerable children was updated. On 7 October, PEPFAR updated guiding principles for provision of services in PEPFAR-supported countries during COVID-19 pandemic related to safety, HIV recency testing, laboratory services, and supply chain/commodities.

2 October 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 2 October 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 2 October 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	32,029,704	34,079,542	6%	979,212	1,015,963	4%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,161,212	1,187,269	2%
Botswana (2.3 M)	2,567	3,172	24%	13	16	23%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	19,430	19,724	2%	120	120	0%
Kenya (51.4 M)	37,348	38,529	3%	664	711	7%
Malawi (18.1 M)	5,746	5,773	0%	179	179	0%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	7,262	8,728	20%	49	61	24%
Namibia (2.5 M)	10,663	11,265	6%	117	121	3%
South Africa (57.8 M)	665,188	674,339	1%	16,206	16,734	3%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21	0%
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	7,725	7,838	1%	227	228	0%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	275	278	1%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	5,818,570	6,394,068	10%	92,290	99,773	8%
Europe (741.4 M)	5,450,309	5,937,969	9%
Ukraine (42 M)	188,106	213,028	13%	3,757	4,193	12%
Americas (1 B)	15,987,906	16,743,243	5%
Haiti (11.1 M)	8,646	8,766	1%	225	229	2%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	5,588	6,555	17%	77	111	44%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	4,222	4,542	8%	67	76	13%
USA (382.2 M)	6,868,828	7,160,476	4%	200,725	205,666	2%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts

Country

Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*

Contacts (Exposed)**

Jamaica

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined

New USG Guidance this Week

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 30 September. Updates include food insecurity and nutritional status recommendations for persons living with HIV, orphans, and vulnerable children.

25 September 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 25 September 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 25 September 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	29,993,181	32,029,704	7%	942,934	979,212	4%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,142,390	1,161,212	2%
Botswana (2.3 M)	2,567	2,567	0%	13	13	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	19,158	19,430	1%	120	120	0%
Kenya (51.4 M)	36,576	37,348	2%	642	664	3%
Malawi (18.1 M)	5,711	5,746	1%	179	179	0%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	6,161	7,262	18%	39	49	26%
Namibia (2.5 M)	10,078	10,663	6%	108	117	8%
South Africa (57.8 M)	655,572	665,188	1%	15,772	16,206	3%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	7,633	7,725	1%	224	227	1%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	275	275	0%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	5,214,677	5,818,570	12%	84,372	92,290	9%
Europe (741.4 M)	5,011,212	5,450,309	9%
Ukraine (42 M)	166,244	188,106	13%	3,400	3,757	11%
Americas (1 B)	15,215,110	15,987,906	5%
Haiti (11.1 M)	8,556	8,646	1%	220	225	2%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	4,374	5,588	28%	51	77	51%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	3,336	4,222	27%	58	67	16%
USA (382.2 M)	6,571,119	6,868,828	5%	195,638	200,725	3%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts

Country

Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*

Contacts (Exposed)**

Jamaica

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined

18 September 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 18 September 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 18 September 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	27,973,127	29,993,181	7%	905,426	942,934	4%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,101,618	1,142,390	4%
Botswana (2.3 M)	2,126	2,567	21%	9	13	44%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	18,815	19,158	2%	119	120	1%
Kenya (51.4 M)	35,460	36,576	3%	607	642	6%
Malawi (18.1 M)	5,653	5,711	1%	176	179	2%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	4,764	6,161	29%	28	39	39%
Namibia (2.5 M)	9,108	10,078	11%	93	108	16%
South Africa (57.8 M)	642,431	655,572	2%	15,168	15,772	4%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	7,429	7,633	3%	222	224	1%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	274	275	0%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	4,562,414	5,214,677	14%	76,261	84,372	11%
Europe (741.4 M)	4,645,519	5,011,212	8%
Ukraine (42 M)	145,612	166,244	14%	3,023	3,400	12%
Americas (1 B)	14,447,680	15,215,110	5%
Haiti (11.1 M)	8,429	8,556	2%	215	220	2%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	3,437	4,374	27%	38	51	34%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	2,663	3,336	25%	40	58	45%
USA (382.2 M)	6,304,181	6,571,119	4%	189,709	195,638	3%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

In Namibia, the national state of emergency and lockdown has ended. In South Africa, international borders will open 1 October, though some restrictions will remain for certain countries that have not been named yet. Restrictions in Trinidad and Tobago have been extended for one more month.

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts

Country	Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*	Contacts (Exposed)**
Botswana***	0	30
Jamaica	0	2
Namibia	2	33

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined
***Numbers have not been updated since last week

New USG Guidance

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 17 September. Updates include clinical recommendations for children experiencing COVID-19-related stress, as well as managing food insecurity and nutritional status for persons living with HIV and orphans and vulnerable children.

11 September 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 11 September 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 11 September 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	26,121,999	27,973,127	7%	864,618	905,426	5%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,066,906	1,101,618	3%
Botswana (2.3 M)	1,724	2,126	23%	6	9	50%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	18,103	18,815	4%	117	119	2%
Kenya (51.4 M)	34,493	35,460	3%	581	607	4%
Malawi (18.1 M)	5,579	5,653	1%	175	176	1%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	4,117	4,764	16%	25	28	12%
Namibia (2.5 M)	7,844	9,108	16%	82	93	13%
South Africa (57.8 M)	630,595	642,431	2%	14,389	15,168	5%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	6,638	7,429	12%	206	222	8%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	274	274	0%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	3,936,747	4,562,414	16%	68,472	76,261	11%
Europe (741.4 M)	4,343,514	4,645,519	7%
Ukraine (42 M)	128,228	145,612	14%	2,710	3,023	12%
Americas (1 B)	13,725,652	14,447,680	5%
Haiti (11.1 M)	8,258	8,429	2%	206	215	4%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	2,823	3,437	22%	27	38	41%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	1,941	2,663	37%	28	40	43%
USA (382.2 M)	6,050,444	6,304,181	4%	184,614	189,709	3%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

South Africa has seen a decrease in new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Hospitals are closing COVID-19 units, though they will reopen if there is a second surge. The state of emergency in Mozambique expired 6 September. Mozambique’s president has declared a “state of national public calamity” for an indefinite period, which has fewer restrictions than the initial emergency. As part of the new declaration, international borders will reopen, and flights will resume. Face masks are still mandatory and some limitations regarding number of persons gathering will be maintained.

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts

Country	Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*	Contacts (Exposed)**
Botswana	0	30
Namibia	1	33
Zimbabwe	15***	220***

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined
***Numbers have not been updated since last week

New USG Guidance

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 9 September. Updates included clinical guidance for working with older clients struggling with COVID-19.

4 September 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 4 September 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 4 September 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	24,257,989	26,121,999	8%	827,246	864,618	5%
Africa (1.2 B)	1,026,101	1,066,906	4%
Botswana (2.3 M)	1,633	1,724	6%	6	6	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	17,603	18,103	3%	114	117	3%
Kenya (51.4 M)	33,016	34,493	4%	564	581	3%
Malawi (18.1 M)	5,474	5,579	2%	173	175	1%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	3,590	4,117	15%	21	25	19%
Namibia (2.5 M)	6,431	7,844	22%	59	82	39%
South Africa (57.8 M)	615,701	630,595	2%	13,502	14,389	7%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	6,251	6,638	6%	179	206	15%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	273	274	0.4%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	3,387,500	3,936,747	16%	61,529	68,472	11%
Europe (741.4 M)	4,100,893	4,343,514	6%
Ukraine (42 M)	112,059	128,228	14%	2,403	2,710	13%
Americas (1 B)	12,869,643	13,725,652	7%
Haiti (11.1 M)	8,151	8,258	1%	200	206	3%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	1,804	2,823	56%	19	27	42%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	1,429	1,941	36%	15	28	87%
USA (382.2 M)	5,765,325	6,050,444	5%	178,561	184,614	3%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

In Namibia, a nationwide curfew was implemented, the lockdown was extended in certain areas and lifted in others. PEPFAR distributed a geographic strategy in Namibia to guide service delivery in areas where community spread is imminent or currently occurring.

I-TECH Updates

The Ministry of Health and Child Care in Zimbabwe has recognized Zim-TTECH’s outreach approach for comprehensive HIV services and encouraged all partners to implement similar models. Zim-TTECH’s outreach services include ART resupply, HIV testing services, ART initiation, tuberculosis preventative therapy, viral load testing, prophylaxis for HIV-exposed infants, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and condom distribution. The program activities were also featured on the US Embassy Harare Facebook page.

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts

Country	Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*	Contacts (Exposed)**
Botswana	0	30
Namibia	1	32
Zimbabwe	15	220

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined

New USG Guidance

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 2 September. Updates included clinical guidance for HIV-positive clients who have been out of care for a year or more and for persons with advanced HIV disease.

28 August 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 28 August 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 28 August 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	22,492,312	24,257,989	8%	788,503	827,246	5%
Africa (1.2 B)	975,551	1,026,101	5%
Botswana (2.3 M)	1,308	1,633	25%	3	6	100%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	17,232	17,603	2%	111	114	3%
Kenya (51.4 M)	31,015	33,016	6%	506	564	11%
Malawi (18.1 M)	5,240	5,474	4%	164	173	5%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	3,045	3,590	18%	19	21	11%
Namibia (2.5 M)	4,665	6,431	38%	39	59	51%
South Africa (57.8 M)	596,060	615,701	3%	12,423	13,502	9%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	5,643	6,251	11%	150	179	19%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	273	273	0%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	2,905,823	3,387,500	17%	54,849	61,529	12%
Europe (741.4 M)	3,874,604	4,100,893	6%
Ukraine (42 M)	98,537	112,059	14%	2,184	2,403	10%
Americas (1 B)	12,028,928	12,869,643	7%
Haiti (11.1 M)	7,997	8,151	2%	196	200	2%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	1,192	1,804	51%	14	19	36%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	730	1,429	96%	12	15	25%
USA (382.2 M)	5,477,305	5,765,325	5%	172,033	178,561	4%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

I-TECH Updates

The Kenya team received a notice of award for their follow on for the global health security agenda. The focus of their award has shifted primarily to COVID-19 infection prevention and control and complements the previous infection prevention and control through quality improvement efforts.

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts

Country	Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*	Contacts (Exposed)**
Botswana	0	20
Malawi	0	0
Namibia	1	13
Zimbabwe	18	25

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined

New USG Guidance

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 26 August. Further guidance related to infection prevention and control measures was given and the Global Health Supply Chain Program – Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) risk report for HIV service delays was updated. Intervention suggestions were also described for country-level drug shortages.

21 August 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 21 August 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 21 August 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	20,687,815	22,492,312	9%	750,400	788,503	5%
Africa (1.2 B)	916,644	975,551	6%
Botswana (2.3 M)	1,066	1,308	23%	2	3	50%
Côte d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	16,847	17,232	2%	105	111	6%
Kenya (51.4 M)	28,104	31,015	10%	456	506	11%
Malawi (18.1 M)	4,752	5,240	10%	152	164	8%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	2,559	3,045	19%	19	19	0%
Namibia (2.5 M)	3,406	4,665	37%	22	39	77%
South Africa (57.8 M)	568,919	596,060	5%	11,010	12,423	13%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	4,893	5,643	15%	122	150	23%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	273	273	0%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	2,461,190	2,905,823	18%	48,040	54,849	14%
Europe (741.4 M)	3,668,652	3,874,604	6%
Ukraine (42 M)	86,140	98,537	14%	1,992	2,184	10%
Americas (1 B)	11,109,443	12,028,928	8%
Haiti (11.1 M)	7,781	7,997	3%	192	196	2%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	1,065	1,192	12%	14	14	0%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	369	730	98%	8	12	50%
USA (382.2 M)	5,150,407	5,477,305	6%	164,826	172,033	4%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

Due to increased cases, the government of Trinidad and Tobago will maintain or reinstate further restrictions if cases do not decline. In Jamaica, non-residents visiting from high-risk countries are required to obtain a COVID-19 PCR test prior to arrival and some areas within Jamaica that higher number of cases have extended quarantines. In South Africa, inter-provincial travel restrictions have been lifted, though international travel restrictions remain in place. Certain economic sectors such as accommodation, hospitality, restaurants, and others are permitted to open with approved protocols. In Zimbabwe, closures of 27 Harare city clinics have overwhelmed the Central Hospital due to an ongoing health care worker strike. Many staff who are in quarantine due to an exposure to a COVID-19 case are not able to return to work due to test kit shortages. A “COVID-19 free” certificate is required by many institutions, which can only be obtained through testing.

I-TECH Updates

Zim-TTECH is conducting community outreach HIV services to serve clients from 15 high volume sites to support continuity of services given clinic closures. CDC in Zimbabwe has allowed Zim-TTECH to pay for PCR COVID-19 tests for staff who need them to return to work and approved personal protective equipment procurement using COVID-19 funds.

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts

Country	Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*	Contacts (Exposed)**	Returned to Work***
Botswana	0	18	17
Malawi	0	0	6
Namibia	1	13	7
South Africa	0	0	5
Zimbabwe****	6	63	22

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined
***Cumulative
****Zimbabwe numbers not updated this week

New USG Guidance

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 19 August. Further guidance related to clinic closures was given including how to prepare for disruption of services.

14 August 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 14 August 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 14 August 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	18,854,287	20,687,815	10%	708,639	750,400	6%
Africa (1.2 B)	848,053	916,644	8%
Botswana (2.3 M)	804	1,066	33%	2	2	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	16,349	16,847	3%	103	105	2%
Kenya (51.4 M)	23,873	28,104	18%	391	456	17%
Malawi (18.1 M)	4,426	4,752	7%	136	152	12%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	2,079	2,559	23%	15	19	27%
Namibia (2.5 M)	2,504	3,406	34%	12	22	83%
South Africa (57.8 M)	529,877	568,919	7%	9,298	11,010	18%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	4,339	4,893	13%	84	122	45%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	243	273	12%	0	0
India (1.4 B)	2,027,074	2,461,190	21%	41,585	48,040	16%
Europe (741.4 M)	3,477,225	3,668,652	6%
Ukraine (42 M)	76,808	86,140	12%	1,819	1,992	10%
Americas (1 B)	10,135,322	11,109,443	10%
Haiti (11.1 M)	7,544	7,781	3%	171	192	12%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	928	1,065	15%	12	14	17%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	207	369	78%	8	8	0%
USA (382.2 M)	4,781,612	5,150,407	8%	157,357	164,826	5%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

Maputo, Mozambique, has been declared a community transmission spot, following the northern cities of Nampula and Pemba. Prevention measures have been put into law in Malawi effective 7 August; people must wear masks in public, and most social gatherings must be limited to 10 or less. In Botswana, the greater Gaborone lockdown has been lifted, and HIV services will resume. There will be a stepwise reopening of services (e.g., schools), but alcohol remains restricted.

I-TECH Updates

The Malawi team is working on an NOA response for $100K in central COVID funds.

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts

Country	Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*	Contacts (Exposed)**	Returned to Work***
Botswana	0	15	1
Malawi	0	0	6 (including 1 staff from subcontractor)
Namibia	0	0	7
South Africa	0	1	4
Zimbabwe****	6	66	0

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined
***Cumulative
****Zimbabwe numbers not updated this week

New USG Guidance

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 12 August. Updates include a definition of Personal Protective Behavior, including physical separation from other people, respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene, face coverings, and avoiding large gatherings. The guidance also includes clarity on hazard pay policies for health care workers supported by PEPFAR funds. Immunizations as part of early infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV, or at facilities were EID is performed, are also classified as essential services. PEPFAR recommends scheduling EID and immunizations during the same health visit or in community settings if possible.

7 August 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 7 August 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 7 August 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	17,064,064	18,854,287	10%	668,073	708,639	6%
Africa (1.2 B)	754,390	848,053	12%
Botswana (2.3 M)	804	804	0%	2	2	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	15,713	16,349	4%	98	103	5%
Kenya (51.4 M)	19,125	23,873	25%	311	391	26%
Malawi (18.1 M)	3,858	4,426	15%	107	136	27%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	1,748	2,079	19%	11	15	36%
Namibia (2.5 M)	1,986	2,504	28%	9	12	33%
South Africa (57.8 M)	471,123	529,877	12%	7,497	9,298	24%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	2,879	4,339	51%	41	84	105%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	234	243	4%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	1,638,870	2,027,074	24%	35,747	41,585	16%
Europe (741.4 M)	3,307,388	3,477,225	5%
Ukraine (42 M)	68,794	76,808	12%	1,673	1,819	9%
Americas (1 B)	9,152,173	10,135,322	11%
Haiti (11.1 M)	7,378	7,544	2%	159	171	8%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	856	928	8%	10	12	20%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	157	207	32%	8	8	0%
USA (382.2 M)	4,388,566	4,781,612	9%	150,054	157,357	5%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

In Malawi, only symptomatic cases are being tested due to inadequate laboratory test kits. All contacts are advised to quarantine for 10 days. Namibia has closed all schools except Grades 10, 11, 12 and reduced the number of persons allowed to assemble to 100 from 250. Mozambique declared another State of Emergency starting August 8 through September 6 and released stages for reopening sectors in the country. From the President of Mozambique:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a new reality on which no one has certainties. In all countries of the world, governments supported by scientists are facing doubts and testing solutions. All countries face the same winding path. They move forward one day and retreat the next day. This is not a lack of coherence or a lack of courage, it is humility, and this is respect for the truth. No one in this world can safely predict the future.”

I-TECH Updates

Malawi received a notice of award for COVID-19 supplemental funds from the Centers for Disease Control. District teams in Zimbabwe report low stocks of personal protective equipment. Zim-TTECH provided a supply of surgical masks to supported facilities that had run out.

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts

Country	Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*	Contacts (Exposed)**	Returned to Work
Botswana		14
Malawi	1		1
Namibia	1	7	6
South Africa		1	1
Zimbabwe	6	66

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined

New USG Guidance

The PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 5 August. Guidance for reporting and Site Improvement through Monitoring System (SIMS) was detailed.

31 July 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 31 July 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 31 July 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	15,257,287	17,064,064	12%	628,240	668,073	6%
Africa (1.2 B)	642,387	754,390	17%
Botswana (2.3 M)	622	804	29%	1	2	100%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	14,733	15,713	7%	93	98	5%
Kenya (51.4 M)	14,805	19,125	29%	260	311	20%
Malawi (18.1 M)	3,302	3,858	17%	76	107	41%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	1,557	1,748	12%	11	11	0%
Namibia (2.5 M)	1,402	1,986	42%	7	9	29%
South Africa (57.8 M)	394,948	471,123	19%	5,940	7,497	26%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	2,034	2,879	42%	26	41	58%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	202	234	16%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	1,287,945	1,638,870	27%	30,601	35,747	17%
Europe (741.4 M)	3,147,860	3,307,388	5%
Ukraine (42 M)	61,851	68,794	11%	1,551	1,673	8%
Americas (1 B)	8,121,700	9,152,173	13%
Haiti (11.1 M)	7,167	7,378	3%	154	159	3%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	816	856	5%	10	10	0%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	141	157	11%	8	8	0%
USA (382.2 M)	3,938,094	4,388,566	11%	142,553	150,054	5%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

Botswana is starting another lockdown on 30 July for two weeks or until situation improves. Only essential workers will be allowed to work. All other business and schools will be closed. South Africa closed schools again from 24 July–27 August. Universities in Kenya will be closed until 2021. Mozambique has ended its state of emergency and is planning for a phased reopening.

I-TECH Updates

Malawi submitted a three-year funding proposal to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support an expanded pandemic response.

I-TECH Staff COVID-19 Cases and Contacts

Country	Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*	Contacts (Exposed)**	Returned to Work
Botswana		1
Malawi	1		4
Namibia		6
South Africa	1		1
Zimbabwe	4	39

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined

New USG Guidance this Week

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 29 July. The updates include guidance for COVID-19 testing for exposed or symptomatic PEPFAR-supported health care workers; clarification about whether to report VMMC clients and staff with confirmed COVID-19 cases to PEPFAR, by site, as notifiable adverse events; and updates to the Global Health Supply Chain Program–Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) risk report for HIV service delays.

24 July 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 24 July 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 24 July 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	13,575,158	15,257,287	12%	584,940	628,240	7%
Africa (1.2 B)	523,403	642,387	23%
Botswana (2.3 M)	399	622	56%	1	1	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	13,037	14,733	13%	87	93	7%
Kenya (51.4 M)	11,252	14,805	32%	209	260	24%
Malawi (18.1 M)	2,614	3,302	26%	43	76	77%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	1,330	1,557	17%	9	11	22%
Namibia (2.5 M)	960	1,402	46%	2	7	250%
South Africa (57.8 M)	311,049	394,948	27%	4,453	5,940	33%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	1,089	2,034	87%	20	26	30%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	166	202	22%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	1,003,382	1,287,945	28%	25,602^	30,601	20%
Europe (741.4 M)	2,987,256	3,147,860	5%
Ukraine (42 M)	56,455	61,851	10%	1,445	1,551	7%
Americas (1 B)	7,154,840	8,121,700	14%
Haiti (11.1 M)	6,902	7,167	4%	145	154	6%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	763	816	7%	10	10	0%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	133	141	6%	8	8	0%
USA (382.2 M)	3,472,659	3,938,094	13%	136,753	142,553	4%

* Tanzanian Government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
^ Adjusted from previous week
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

To view COVID-19 trends over time, check out the following websites:

The World Health Organization shows trends over time globally, plus confirmed cases and death rates over time for individual countries.
The University of Washington Novel Coronavirus Infection Map describes country-specific data related to aggregated confirmed, active confirmed, deaths, and recoveries over time.

I-TECH Updates

Country	Cases (Confirmed and Probable)*	Contacts (Exposed)**	Returned to Work
Malawi	5
Namibia		3
South Africa	1		1
Zimbabwe	3	1

*Cases: Currently isolated
**Contacts: Currently quarantined

New USG Guidance this Week

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 22 July. Updates include definitions for continuous medical masking and universal source control, as well as guidance for what to do when a health care worker at a clinic is COVID-19 positive.

17 July 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 17 July 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 17 July 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	12,064,828	13,575,158	13%	550,384	584,940	6%
Africa (1.2 B)	410,744	523,403	27%
Botswana (2.3 M)	314	399	27%	1	1	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	11,504	13,037	13%	78	87	12%
Kenya (51.4 M)	8,528	11,252	32%	169	209	24%
Malawi (18.1 M)	1,942	2,614	35%	25	43	72%
Mozambique (29.5M)	1,071	1,330	24%	8	9	13%
Namibia (2.5 M)	593	960	62%	0	2
South Africa (57.8 M)	224,665	311,049	38%	3,602	4,453	24%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	885	1,089	23%	9	20	122%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	141	166	18%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	793,802	1,003,382	26%	21,604	34,956	62%
Europe (741.4 M)	2,847,887	2,987,256	5%
Ukraine (42 M)	51,224	56,455	10%	1,327	1,445	9%
Americas (1 B)	6,264,626	7,154,840	14%
Haiti (11.1 M)	6,486	6,902	6%	123	145	18%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	751	763	2%	10	10	0%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	133	133	0%	8	8	0%
USA (382.2 M)	3,038,325	3,472,659	14%	131,884	136,753	4%

* The Tanzanian government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

With a surge in cases across many countries, governments are starting to re-instate prevention measures that were previously being relaxed. South Africa has banned alcohol again and restricted movement during certain hours of the day unless deemed an essential worker. Provincial boundaries were also closed to those without a permit. In Zimbabwe, the lockdown was extended, and school openings are being deferred. In Kenya, curfew was extended for an additional 30 days.

I-TECH Updates

In Zimbabwe, the government conducted routine COVID-19 health worker surveillance at some facilities in Harare. As a result of the surveillance, one Zim-TTECH staff person tested COVID-19 positive, despite being asymptomatic and having no known COVID-19 exposure. The staff person is in isolation at home. At another facility, two other Zim-TTECH staff are probable cases and isolating at home. Finally, one staff person from a third facility is in quarantine due to close contact with a known COVID-19 case. All staff are being monitored regularly by phone.

In Malawi, an I-TECH staff person who attended a training tested COVID-19 positive and is isolating at home. COVID-19 safety procedures, including mandatory mask use, attestation at the door for COVID-19 symptoms, and physical distancing, were in place at the training. Other training participants are in quarantine and contact tracing is ongoing.

Country	Isolating (Positive/ Probable Case)	Quarantine (Exposed)	Recovered
Malawi	4
South Africa	1		1
Zimbabwe	3	1

New USG Guidance this Week

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 15 July. A link to providing online COVID-19 stakeholder feedback was provided along with information about the 58 submissions received by PEPFAR to date; guidance on performing hand hygiene with clients without running water was added; and the Global Health Supply Chain Program–Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) risk report for HIV service delays was updated.

10 July 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 10 July 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 10 July 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	10,533,779	12,064,828	15%	512,842	550,384	7%
Africa (1.2 B)	318,432	410,744	29%
Botswana (2.3 M)	227	314	38%	1	1	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	9,499	11,504	21%	68	78	15%
Kenya (51.4 M)	6,673	8,528	28%	149	169	13%
Malawi (18.1 M)	1,342	1,942	45%	16	25	56%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	903	1,071	19%	6	8	33%
Namibia (2.5 M)	285	593	108%	0	0
South Africa (57.8 M)	159,333	224,665	41%	2,749	3,602	31%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	605	885	46%	7	9	29%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	141	141	0%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	604,641	793,802	31%	17,834	21,604	21%
Europe (741.4 M)	2,747,810	2,847,887	4%
Ukraine (42 M)	45,888	51,224	12%	1,185	1,327	12%
Americas (1 B)	5,317,792	6,264,626	18%
Haiti (11.1 M)	5,975	6,486	9%	105	123	17%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	702	751	7%	10	10	0%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	130	133	2%	8	8	0%
USA (382.2 M)	2,616,949	3,038,325	16%	127,133	131,884	4%

* The Tanzanian government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

South Africa and Malawi are experiencing shortages of PCR testing reagents. As a result, in South Africa testing is prioritized to for those who are high risk and/or symptomatic. Personal protective equipment shortages are also occurring in Malawi at the National HIV reference laboratory. Community transmission has been reported in Zimbabwe. Governments continue to lift COVID-19 restrictions including opening borders and resuming air travel in some countries.

I-TECH Updates

Staff who were tested COVID-19 positive are isolating at home and remain stable.

New USG Guidance this Week

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 8 July 2020. Basic information about COVID-19 was added, updates to HIV recency testing included, and guidance related to universal source control measures for infection prevention and control added.

2 July 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 2 July 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 2 July 2020. Due to the Friday holiday, data below reflect only six days, rather than the usual full week of data collected.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	9,454,051	10,533,779	11%	483,686	512,842	6%
Africa (1.2 B)	258,752	318,432	23%
Botswana (2.3 M)	125	227	82%	1	1	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	8,334	9,499	14%	60	68	13%
Kenya (51.4 M)	5,384	6,673	24%	132	149	13%
Malawi (18.1 M)	960	1,342	40%	12	16	33%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	788	903	15%	5	6	20%
Namibia (2.5 M)	102	285	179%	0	0	0%
South Africa (57.8 M)	118,375	159,333	35%	2,292	2,749	20%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	551	605	10%	6	7	17%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	130	141	8%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	490,401	604,641	23%	15,301	17,834	17%
Europe (741.4 M)	2,600,590	2,747,810	6%
Ukraine (42 M)	40,008	45,888	15%	994	1,185	19%
Americas (1 B)	4,709,927	5,317,792	13%
Haiti (11.1 M)	5,429	5,975	10%	92	105	14%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	678	702	4%	10	10	0%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	123	130	6%	8	8	0%
USA (382.2 M)	2,367,064	2,616,949	11%	121,645	127,133	5%

* The Tanzanian government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

I-TECH Updates
Protocols for Symptoms Screening of Staff and Visitors to I-TECH Offices and Management of COVID-19 Cases and Close Contacts in I-TECH Offices are forthcoming. I-TECH will review and answer questions during the next Monday meeting.

New USG Guidance this Week
PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on 1 July 2020. Supply chain for condoms guidance was updated.

26 June 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 26 June 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 26 June 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	8,366,417	9,454,051	13%	450,087	483,686	7%
Africa (1.2 B)	201,178	258,752	29%
Botswana (2.3 M)	79	125	58%	1	1	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	6,444	8,334	29%	49	60	22%
Kenya (51.4 M)	4,257	5,384	26%	117	132	13%
Malawi (18.1 M)	592	960	62%	8	12	50%
Mozambique (29.5M)	662	788	19%	4	5	25%
Namibia (2.5 M)	39	102	162%	0	0	0%
South Africa (57.8 M)	83,890	118,375	41%	1,737	2,292	32%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	463	551	19%	4	6	50%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	129	130	1%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	380,532	490,401	29%	12,573	15,301	22%
Europe (741.4 M)	2,471,792	2,600,590	5%
Ukraine (42 M)	34,063	40,008	17%	966	994	3%
Americas (1 B)	4,092,526	4,709,927	15%
Haiti (11.1 M)	4,688	5,429	16%	82	92	12%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	626	678	8%	10	10	0%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	123	123	0%	8	8	0%
USA (382.2 M)	2,149,166	2,367,064	10%	117,472	121,645	4%

* The Tanzanian government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

I-TECH Updates

I-TECH has had four COVID-19 cases reported in staff: one in South Africa and three cases in Malawi. All COVID-19 positive staff are in self-isolation and staff close contacts (any staff person who was within two meters for 15 minutes or more) have been screened and are in quarantine. I-TECH will be disseminating protocols that describe actions to take when there is a COVID-19 case or probable case among staff on Monday. Please remain vigilant about maintaining safety procedures for COVID-19 in the workplace.

New USG Guidance this Week

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on June 19. Guidance for resuming home visits by PEPFAR-supported cadres was updated; recommendations were outlined for adapting HIV services in the context of COVID-19 when they do not align with local policy; and a risk report was updated that described delays (in days) of HIV prevention services.

19 June 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 19 June 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 19 June 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	7,410,510	8,366,417	13%	418,294	450,087	8%
Africa (1.2 B)	155,762	201,178	29%
Botswana (2.3 M)	48	79	65%	1	1	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	4,404	6,444	46%	41	49	20%
Kenya (51.4 M)	3,215	4,257	32%	92	117	27%
Malawi (18.1 M)	481	592	23%	4	8	100%
Mozambique (29.5M)	489	662	35%	2	4	100%
Namibia (2.5 M)	31	39	26%	0	0	0%
South Africa (57.8 M)	58,568	83,890	43%	1,284	1,737	35%
Tanzania (56.3 M)*	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	332	463	39%	4	4	0%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	126	129	2%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	297,535	380,532	28%	8,498	12,573	48%
Europe (741.4 M)	2,358,953	2,471,792	5%
Ukraine (42 M)	29,753	34,063	14%	870	966	11%
Americas (1 B)	3,560,591	4,092,526	15%
Haiti (11.1 M)	3,796	4,688	23%	58	82	41%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	598	626	5%	10	10	0%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	117	123	5%	8	8	0%
USA (382.2 M)	1,988,646	2,149,166	8%	112,810	117,472	4%

* The Tanzanian government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

Cases continue to rise in many countries. Jamaica is testing all tourist arrivals for COVID-19 and mandating face masks. In Trinidad and Tobago, government nationals can enter the country, though they are placed in a mandatory quarantine facility. In Zimbabwe, stockouts of personal protective equipment (PPE) are occurring. The Zimbabwe government has implemented a three-month salary increase and allowance for civil servants including those on pensions to account for the transitory economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In South Africa, some businesses and group activities have been reopened.

I-TECH

In Botswana, I-TECH resumed HIV testing services this week. In Kenya, I-TECH confirmed with CDC the COVID-19 response activities, which will start this week. I-TECH will support policy and guideline development and an implementation plan related to quarantine, self-isolation and contact tracing in Malawi. The Tanzania office is planning to reopen on July 1st.

New USG Guidance this Week

PEPFAR technical guidance was significantly updated on June 17. Guidance for resuming/reopening services was included; pediatric considerations for children living with or HIV/TB; infection prevention and control measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure in the healthcare setting was outlined; additional information on cloth masks from updated WHO guidance was included; and additional information on PPE and use was added.

12 June 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 12 June 2020

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 12 June 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	6,515,796	7,410,510	14%	387,298	418,294	8%
Africa (1.2 B)	121,104	155,762	29%
Botswana (2.3 M)	40	48	20%	1	1	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	3,262	4,404	35%	35	41	17%
Kenya (51.4 M)	2,340	3,215	37%	78	92	18%
Malawi (18.1 M)	393	481	22%	4	4	0%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	352	489	39%	2	2	0%
Namibia (2.5 M)	25	31	24%	0	0	0%
South Africa (57.8 M)	40,792	58,568	44%	848	1,284	51%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	509*	509*	0%*	21*	21*	0%*
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	222	332	50%	4	4	0%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	125	126	1%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	226,770	297,535	31%	6,348	8,498	34%
Europe (741.4 M)	2,211,148	2,358,953	7%
Ukraine (42M)	25,411	29,753	17%	748	870	16%
Americas (1 B)	3,084,517	3,560,591	15%
Haiti (11.1 M)	2,604	3,796	46%	50	58	16%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	590	598	1%	9	10	11%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	117	117	0%	8	8	0%
USA (382.2 M)	1,837,803	1,988,646	8%	106,876	112,810	6%

* The Tanzanian government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

As countries continue to ease COVID-19 prevention restrictions, the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating, especially in lower- and middle-income countries and no longer concentrated only in urban settings. Latin America is widely acknowledged to be the new epicenter, with more than one-third of new COVID-19 cases occurring in this region in the last week,¹ but Africa is also seeing a rapid increase in the number of cases.

I-TECH Updates

In Tanzania, the I-TECH COVID-19 proposal was approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I-TECH will mentor the Field Epidemiology Training Program graduates to conduct surveillance including case investigation and contact tracing. Zimbabwe’s team received and distributed surgical face masks to supported sites.

New USG Guidance this Week

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on June 5 and June 10. Guidance for implementation of Virtual DREAMS content delivery was described, as well as updated guidance from WHO on face covering.

1. https://www.npr.org/2020/06/03/869053446/latin-america-becomes-a-new-epicenter-of-the-coronavirus-pandemic

5 June 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 5 June 2020

Weekly Round-Up

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 5 June 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	5,701,337	6,515,796	14%	357,688	387,298	8%
Africa (1.2 B)	92,929	121,104	30%
Botswana (2.3 M)	35	40	14%	1	1	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	2,641	3,262	24%	32	35	9%
Kenya (51.4 M)	1,618	2,340	45%	58	78	34%
Malawi (18.1 M)	203	393	94%	4	4	0%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	233	352	51%	2	2	0%
Namibia (2.5 M)	22	25	14%	0	0	0%
South Africa (57.8 M)	27,403	40,792	49%	577	848	47%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	509*	509*	0%	21*	21*	0%
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	132	222	68%	4	4	0%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	124	125	1%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	165,799	226,770	37%	4,706	6,348	35%
Europe (741.4 M)	2,102,574	2,211,148	5%
Ukraine (42M)	22,811	25,411	11%	679	748	10%
Americas (1 B)	2,613,092	3,084,517	18%
Haiti (11.1 M)	1,320	2,604	97%	34	50	47%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	569	590	4%	9	9	0%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	116	117	1%	8	8	0%
USA (382.2 M)	1,675,258	1,837,803	10%	98,889	106,876	8%

* The Tanzanian government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29.
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

I-TECH Country Programs

In Jamaica, staff started returning to the office this week, observing protocols for workplace safety. In South Africa, the office was cleaned this week and Operations and Finance teams have started working in the office, with other teams returning in the coming week. The Cote d’Ivoire office has also reopened. Offices that are reopening are implementing strategies to ensure staff safety.

New USG Guidance

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated on June 3 this week. Guidance on the informal production and use of non-medical (or homemade) masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 was given and personal protective equipment for PEPFAR-supported health care providers was also clarified. The guidance also includes small updates related to pediatric drug supplies and referrals for housing support for key population community members.

UW MetaCenter Newsletter

The UW MetaCenter has a new daily newsletter that provides a summary of recent scientific literature related to COVID-19. See past issues of the newsletter here and subscribe to the newsletter here. (If you do not wish to receive general information from the Department of Global Health, or information about events and opportunities, you will need to un-check those boxes.)

29 May 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 29 May 2020

Weekly Round-Up

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 29 May 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	4,993,470	5,701,337	14%	327,738	357,688	9%
Africa (1.2 B)	71,752	92,929	30%
Botswana (2.3 M)	29	35	21%	1	1	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	2,301	2,641	15%	29	32	10%
Kenya (51.4 M)	1,109	1,618	46%	50	58	16%
Malawi (18.1 M)	72	203	182%	3	4	33%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	162	233	44%	0	2	–
Namibia (2.5 M)	18	22	22%	0	0	0%
South Africa (57.8 M)	19,137	27,403	43%	369	577	56%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	509	509*	0%	21	21*	0%
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	51	132	159%	4	4	0%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	123	124	1%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	118,447	165,799	40%	3,583	4,706	31%
Europe (741.4 M)	1,966,244	2,102,574	7%
Ukraine (42 M)	20,148	22,811	13%	588	679	15%
Americas (1 B)	2,220,267	2,613,092	18%
Haiti (11.1 M)	663	1,320	99%	22	34	55%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	529	569	8%	9	9	0%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	116	116	0%	8	8	0%
USA (382.2 M)	1,525,186	1,675,258	10%	91,527	98,889	8%

* The Tanzanian government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29.
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

I-TECH Country Programs

As country offices start to reopen, each are expected to use strategies that increase staff safety and follow local labor laws. I-TECH Seattle has put together guidance for re-opening offices to further support staff safety and complement country-specific mandates (South Africa, for example). Guidance provides specific strategies, policies and procedures based on existing evidence to ensure staff safety.

New USG Guidance

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated twice this week. On May 22, PEPFAR provided guidance on resuming activities after lockdown restrictions ease, highlighted the importance of separating medication delivery from clinical care, and updated information on supply chain for antiretroviral therapy. On May 27, PEPFAR updated ANC attendance tracking and provided guidance on the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) by implementing partners for HIV clinical services. Guidance states:

“Essential PPE may be procured by implementing partners for HIV clinical services under the following conditions: 1) For the protection of, and use by, implementing partner staff; and 2) Locally or regionally provided that such items are not, and could not reasonably be expected to be, meant for the United States market, including but not limited to instances where such procurements are needed to ensure continuity of safe and effective implementation of foreign assistance programs.

“Note: HIV testing (or other direct HCW-patient interaction for HIV services) should not take place where routine adequate PPE is not available, (e.g., gloves or mask for phlebotomy). Further guidance will be forthcoming.”

22 May 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 22 May 2020

Weekly Round-Up

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 22 May 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	4,307,287	4,993,470	16%	295,101	327,738	11%
Africa (1.2 B)	54,190	71,752	32%
Botswana (2.3 M)	24	29	21%	1	1	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	1,971	2,301	17%	24	29	21%
Kenya (51.4 M)	758	1,109	46%	42	50	19%
Malawi (18.1 M)	63	72	14%	3	3	0%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	115	162	41%	0	0	0%
Namibia (2.5 M)	16	18	13%	0	0	0%
South Africa (57.8 M)	12,739	19,137	50%	238	369	55%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	509*	509	0%	21*	21*	0%
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	37	51	38%	4	4	0%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	122	123	1%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	78,003	118,447	52%	2,549	3,583	41%
Europe (741.4 M)	1,801,668	1,966,244	9%
Ukraine (42 M)	16,847	20,148	20%	456	588	29%
Americas (1 B)	1,864,468	2,220,267	19%
Haiti (11.1 M)	234	663	183%	18	22	22%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	509	529	4%	9	9	0%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	116	116	0%	8	8	0%
USA (382.2 M)	1,361,522	1,525,186	12%	82,119	91,527	11%

* The Tanzanian government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29.
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

Many governments have started lifting COVID-19 related restrictions using a phased approach. In Cote d’Ivoire, government offices will reopen May 26. In Jamaica, the work from home mandate will be lifted starting June 1 except for persons 65 years and older or any person with an underlying condition. In Trinidad and Tobago, manufacturing and construction sectors reopened this week. Ukraine started an “adaptive quarantine” allowing for certain sectors to open, including public transit, hotels, sports competitions without spectators, and parishes. For the next four weeks, Ukraine will continue to further lift restrictions. In Tanzania, the government lifted all restrictions and encouraged people to go to work.

I-TECH Country Programs

In Kenya, I-TECH presented during a webinar to the CDC and WHO Global Infection Prevention and Control network on Kenya IPC activities and COVID-19 facility readiness assessment using an electronic tool. There were more than 1,000 participants from multiple countries. In Cote d’Ivoire, staff started working at the office again this week. I-TECH headquarters will be sending out guidance and resources related to re-opening offices in the coming weeks.

New USG Guidance this Week

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated to provide guidance related to the ongoing shortage of LPV/r tablets and pellets.

PPE Survey

The topic of personal protective equipment (PPE) came up at a recent Town Hall hosted by the Office of Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) for civil society organizations. OGAC confirmed that PPE may not be procured with PEPFAR funds until White House guidance is released. Currently, this is being enforced by HRSA but not CDC.

OGAC also indicated that they had not heard that any programs are out of PPE. If your program is out of PPE or if you have general comments for OGAC, complete this online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V7RJW59

15 May 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 15 May 2020

Weekly Round-Up

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 15 May 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
Area (Population)	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global (7.6 B)	3,759,967	4,307,287	15%	259,474	295,101	14%
Africa (1.2 B)	37,717	54,190	44%
Botswana (2.3 M)	23	24	4%	1	1	0%
Cote d’Ivoire (25.1 M)	1,571	1,971	25%	20	24	20%
Kenya (51.4 M)	607	758	25%	29	42	45%
Malawi (18.1 M)	43	63	47%	3	3	0%
Mozambique (29.5 M)	81	115	42%	0	0	0%
Namibia (2.5 M)	16	16	0%	0	0	0%
South Africa (57.8 M)	8,232	12,739	55%	161	238	48%
Tanzania (56.3 M)	509	509*	0%	21	21*	0%
Zimbabwe (14.4 M)	34	37	9%	4	4	0%
Asia (4.5 B)
Cambodia (16.3 M)	122	122	0%	0	0	0%
India (1.4 B)	56,342	78,003	38%	1,886	2,549	35%
Europe (741.4 M)	1,654,345	1,801,668	9%
Ukraine (42 M)	14,195	16,847	19%	361	456	26%
Americas (1 B)	1,586,129	1,864,468	18%
Haiti (11.1 M)	108	234	117%	12	18	50%
Jamaica (2.9 M)	478	509	6%	9	9	0%
Trinidad and Tobago (1.4 M)	116	116	0%	8	8	0%
USA (382.2 M)	1,215,571	1,361,522	12%	67,146	82,119	22%

* The Tanzanian government has not released COVID-19 data since 4/29.
Source COVID-19 stats: https://covid19.who.int/
Source population: World Bank

International Updates

The UNAIDS and the World Health Organization issued a joint news release on May 11 that describes potential consequences of COVID-19 disruption to HIV care. A modeling exercise measured the impact of a six-month disruption of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Over 500,000 extra AIDS-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, with a two-fold increase in mother-to-child transmission, were attributed to ART disruption, and impact was still observed after five years. Even shorter disruptions, for example three months, would significantly impact HIV deaths. The priority for all HIV programs should be to sustain and expand all vital health services and ensure continuous access to prevention, testing, and treatment services, especially ART.

I-TECH Country Programs

India hosted the first two webinars on COVID-19 for a network of medical colleges. The first session, “Disease Dynamics and the Science Behind the Lockdown,” was virtually attended by 796 people. The second, “Mental Health During the Lockdown,” was virtually attended by 550 people.

In Jamaica, a redirection of funds for food vouchers, transport stipends, and non-personal protective equipment supplies for HIV patients and HIV clinics due to COVID-19 hardship was approved. Malawi received a notice of award (NOA) for $250,000 from the CDC International Task Force to support the secondment of a new technical advisor to the Public Health Institute of Malawi for central coordination of COVID-19 response and to support the Emergency Operations Center. Zimbabwe received an NOA for $579,500 to support vaccine preparedness and disease prevention efforts.

In Nambia, Windhoek-based staff have started working at the office again. Guidance was given to staff for use of reusable masks and, for staff sharing offices, alternating times and days were scheduled to reduce number of staff in the office at any given time.

New USG Guidance

On 8 May, there was updated PEPFAR guidance issued, including information about the role of PEPFAR Coordination Offices in the larger USG COVID-19 response.

8 May 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 8 May 2020

Weekly Round-Up

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 8 May 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global	3,175,207	3,759,967	18%	224,172	259,474	16%
Africa	26,663	37,717	41%
Botswana	23	23	0%	1	1	0%
Cote d’Ivoire	1,275	1,571	23%	14	20	43%
Kenya	396	607	53%	17	29	71%
Malawi	37	43	16%	3	3	0%
Mozambique	76	81	7%	0	0	0%
Namibia	16	16	0%	0	0	0%
South Africa	5,647	8,232	46%	103	161	56%
Tanzania	480	509	6%	17	21	24%
Zimbabwe	32	34	6%	4	4	0%
SE Asia	57,088	86,294	51%
Cambodia	122	122	0%	0	0	0%
India	35,043	56,342	61%	1,147	1,886	64%
Western Pacific	148,838	157,447	6%
Jamaica	396	478	21%	7	9	29%
Haiti	76	108	42%	7	12	71%
Trinidad and Tobago	116	116	0%	8	8	0%
Europe	1,461,404	1,654,345	13%
Ukraine	10,861	14,195	31%	272	361	33%
Americas	1,291,917	1,586,129	23%
USA	1,035,353	1,215,571	17%	55,337	67,146	21%

Source: https://covid19.who.int/

International Updates

In India, I-TECH will conduct COVID-19 related distance learning sessions for a network of medical colleges. Between 600 and 1,000 participants are expected to join per session. I-TECH Kenya will be conducting infection prevention and control trainings in two counties and will be testing the CDC facility readiness assessment tool. In Malawi, I-TECH is hiring an additional technical advisor to support the Public Health Institute. Two I-TECH staff in Mozambique contributed to the development of the Ministry of Health Pocket Guide to COVID-19 Prevention.I-TECH Country Programs

New USG Guidance

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated twice this week. On 1 May 2020, guidance was released with information about how to prepare for clinic closures; impact, and mitigation measures for PLHIV and orphans and vulnerable children food insecurity and nutritional status; and reporting and SIMS updates. On 6 May 2020, guidance was updated related to self-testing; and laboratory services including supply chain management, testing for viral load, early infant diagnosis, TB, and SARS-CoV-2 testing.

Tip of the Week

As countries move to reopen businesses, consider what steps need to be put into place to open I-TECH offices. The CDC has issued reopening guidance for cleaning and disinfecting businesses and other workplaces, including a cleaning and disinfectant decision tool. While the guidance is U.S.-focused, suggested strategies are relevant to international settings as well. For ongoing cleaning and disinfection suggestions once an office has been reopened, review the World Health Organization’s considerations for getting your workplace ready for COVID-19, which are applicable while there is still risk of COVID-19 exposure.

1 May 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 1 May 2020

Weekly Round-Up

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 1 May 2020.)

Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Countries with I-TECH Programs

	CONFIRMED			DECEASED
	Last Week	This Week	% Change	Last Week	This Week	% Change
Global	2,626,321	3,175,207	21%	181,938	224172	23%
Africa	18,234	26,663	46%
Botswana	22	23	5%	1	1	0%
Cote d’Ivoire	1,004	1,275	27%	14	14	0%
Kenya	320	96	-70%	14	17	21%
Malawi	33	37	12%	3	3	0%
Mozambique	41	76	85%	0	0
Namibia	16	16	0%	0	0
South Africa	3,953	5,647	43%	75	103	37%
Tanzania	285	480	68%	10	17	70%
Zimbabwe	28	32	14%	4	4	0%
SE Asia		57,088
Cambodia	122	122	0%	0	0
India	23,077	35,043	52%	718	1,147	60%
Western Pacific	139,782	148,838	6%
Jamaica	243	396	63%	6	7	17%
Haiti	62	76	23%	4	7	75%
Trinidad and Tobago	115	116	1%	8	8	0%
Europe	1,284,216	1,461,404	14%
Ukraine	7,647	10,861	42%	193	272	41%
Americas		1,291,917
USA		1,035,353			55,337

Source: https://covid19.who.int/

National Updates

While most countries are in extended lockdowns, governments are making comprehensive plans for lifting quarantine measures in stages or steps. In Ukraine, the government has outlined a five-stage plan based on criteria. Ukraine’s stages are based on risk levels and indicators related to disease transmission, number of new cases, recovery and hospitalizations. In Namibia, the government has released guidance for lifting restrictions in four stages, ending June 30. Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, and Kenya are all in planning processes, as well.

I-TECH Country Programs

In Zimbabwe, Zim-TTECH was notified by CDC that they would receive $579,500 to support COVID-19 activities. Zim-TTECH will support vaccine preparedness and disease prevention for rapid scale up and implementation of a SARS-COV2 vaccine when available; and infection control and prevention efforts for triaging at 250 sites across five provinces. Zim-TTECH will work closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to ensure any identified gaps have targeted support to minimize COVID-19 spread in health facilities. In Tanzania, CDC redirected both carry-forward and Q3 activities ($83,000) to support training for case investigation and contact tracing teams, targeting Field Epidemiology and Training Program graduates and community health care workers.

24 April 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 24 April 2020

Weekly Round-Up

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 24 April 2020.)

Epidemiological Update

Region/ Country	Confirmed	New Cases	Deceased
Global	2,626,321	73,911	181,938
Africa	18,234
Botswana	22	2	1
Cote d’Ivoire	1,004	52	14
Kenya	320	17	14
Malawi	33	10	3
Mozambique	41	2	0
Namibia	16	0	0
South Africa	3,953	318	75
Tanzania	285	30	10
Zimbabwe	28	0	4
Asia
Cambodia	122	0	0
India	23,077	1,684	718
Western Pacific	139,782
Jamaica	243	10	6
Haiti	62	4	4
Trinidad and Tobago	115	1	8
Europe	1,284,216
Ukraine	7,647	477	193

Source: https://covid19.who.int/

I-TECH Country Programs

Malawi will be awarded $250,000 to support COVID-19 related activities and Kenya will be awarded $250,000 to support strategic priority infection prevention and control activities for containment and prevention of COVID-19 cases at health care facilities.

This week the Zimbabwe team launched a tracker to monitor facility status, services, commodities, and personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collected using the Excel trackers helps Zim-TTECH monitor trends, plan programmatic need and respond to shortages at facilities.

Funder Requests

The CDC requested the Zimbabwe and Jamaica program offices complete a survey to quantify PEPFAR support for COVID-19 response.

New USG Guidance this Week

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated this week to include suggestions for tracing individuals who have been lost to follow-up, pediatric antiretroviral therapy, and information for faith and community-based organizations.

Monday Guest: Kate Starbird

Kate Starbird, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering at UW, will be joining us for our Monday morning COVID-19 update call. Starbird will facilitate a Q&A session on “Misinformation and Disinformation in Times of Crisis.” Learn more about her and her work here and here.

Tip of the Week

Be kind to yourself and others.
“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.” – Nelson Mandela

17 April 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 17 April 2020

Weekly Round-Up

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 17 April 2020.)

National Responses

In some countries, lockdowns and states of emergency have been extended this week. Country governments are trying to expand testing and proactively minimize transmission. Zimbabwe released a strategy to increase active screening for COVID-19. Jamaica has started mobile testing into certain regions and Kenya’s testing capacity has increased substantially. In South Africa, community transmission has been reported. The National Department of Health has deployed 10,000 community health workers (CHWs) to conduct household-based testing and screening and plans to add an additional 18,000 CHWs soon. Botswana will also start community testing this week.

The United States has now reported the largest number of COVID-19 deaths. Over 34,000 persons have died to date and 675,640 persons have tested positive. Most of the country is in a lockdown (shelter in place) and hotspots, especially New York City, account substantially for the total COVID-19 deaths to date. Access to COVID-19 testing and insufficient PPE are national challenges exacerbated by a fragmented health system where universal access to health care does not exist. Washington State, where the first COVID-19 hotspot was detected in the Seattle area, instituted shelter in place measures on March 23. These early and aggressive public health measures have been essential to interrupting transmission and ensuring that hospitals are not overwhelmed. Seattle’s health department released key tools that describe what will need to be in place before transitioning away from our current public health measures. In addition, states are working together to develop plans for lifting these measures in an iterative way to minimize rebound infections.

I-TECH Response

Infection prevention and control (IPC) capacity building and support has been identified as a need across our network. In Kenya, the Ministry of Health and WHO have requested technical assistance with building IPC capacity. I-TECH will receive $250,000 to assist with this scope, which builds on I-TECH Kenya’s robust IPC program. In India, CDC has started discussion about delivering an IPC course using a distance learning platform. In Malawi, a proposal was submitted to CDC for $250,000 from the CDC International Task Force funds. The funds would cover secondment of a new TA position to the Public Health Institute of Malawi for support of central coordination of the national COVID-19 response, and support to the national Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Programmatic changes and advocacy in country programs are not possible without the strong and resilient leadership of our country teams. Your leadership is evident now more than ever, as country office leadership negotiates redirection of funds, navigates donor relations due to programmatic disruptions, and leverages I-TECH’s technical teams to effectively support national COVID-19 response all while still maintaining other programming! Thank you to our country team leadership, in-country and at HQ, for effectively supporting our teams remotely and navigating new challenges in our country programming!

USG Guidance to Date

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated twice since last week. The first update (10 April) includes guidance on non-medical (or homemade) masks, HIV recency testing, age considerations for voluntary medical male circumcision, and orphans and vulnerable children enrollment. The second update includes information about supply chain management, including expected delays of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and non-ART drugs.

10 April 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 10 April 2020

Weekly Round-Up

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 10 April 2020.)

National Responses

Across our network, India and South Africa have the largest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases (6,412 and 1,934 respectively) outside of the United States.¹ Most I-TECH countries have implemented a lockdown for varying degrees of time; some governments have imposed more stringent restrictions. For example, in Ukraine, children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult to leave home; only two persons are allowed out of home at a time; and anyone over the age of 60 years must stay home. In several countries, identification is required if you leave your home or a note from your employer that deems you “essential staff.” Kenya, Mozambique, Cote d’Ivoire, and Trinidad and Tobago have mandated face mask use in public spaces. Some new government mandates being released are contributing to social unrest. In Kenya, the government has given families 24 hours to bury any person that has died from COVID-19 related complications.

Misinformation continues to be a problem in many countries. In Haiti, some people do not believe COVID-19 is real and recently protested the arrest of a journalist writing “false” stories to support that belief. In Cote d’Ivoire, one of the COVID-19 testing sites under development was destroyed by the community due to misconception that it was a treatment site, bringing disease to their neighborhood.

While each country is trying to maintain HIV services, some prevention activities have been postponed. In Zimbabwe, voluntary male medical circumcision is suspended; in Malawi, recency testing is suspended and homebased HTS stopped. In Botswana, HIV testing services have been paused.

Namibia released standard operating procedures for management of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Kenya has updated pediatric guidelines, infection prevention and control for COVID-19 in homes and residential communities and released a position statement on use of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19. Personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages have been reported in Haiti, Kenya, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, and test kit shortages have been reported in Cote d’Ivoire.

I-TECH Response

CDC has requested a COVID-19 specific proposal in Kenya for infection prevention and control support, and in Malawi a concept note for activities to strengthen surveillance, laboratory capacity, and national coordination of the Public Health Reference Laboratory. In Mozambique, staff are discussing two proposals with HRSA for COVID-19 related activities. In Botswana and Tanzania, I-TECH is waiting for approval from CDC to re-direct some programmatic funds to support COVID-19 activities. Namibia is waiting for concurrence from CDC regarding a PPE supply order submitted. A request for reprogramming has been approved by CDC in Zimbabwe.

Across the I-TECH network our staff continue to provide care for HIV clients in health facilities, and some have been seconded to ministries to provide high-level critical support to government responses. We recognize the challenges and hardships that our colleagues experience both professionally and personally. As a society and more specifically, as an organization, we are indebted to you. Thank you for your hard work and dedication supporting our communities through this trying and unprecedented time.

USG Guidance to Date

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated twice this week. The update includes guidance for HIV testing and prevention including Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), multi-month dispensing, gender-based violence and children protection guidance including DREAMS, maternal an and child health service delivery, and women’s health.

Reminder

It is important to be able to minimize our food shopping trips. If any of our staff do not have resources to stock their homes with enough food and other necessities to last one week at time, please contact Shelly Tonge-Seymour (beano@uw.edu).

Tip of the Week

If you have any questions about effectively working from home, see UWHR’s Tips for Teleworking and this resource from Harvard Business Review’s Ascend. For ideas on how to work best within remote teams, see this webinar from UW’s Professional and Organizational Development (POD) team.

3 April 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 3 April 2020

Weekly Roundup

(Note: These updates are as of 12 p.m. PT, 3 April 2020.)

National Responses

COVID-19 cases are now present in all I-TECH countries. Malawi and Botswana both reported their first COVID-19 cases this week, though testing availability has been a challenge. Across the network, access to testing varies and remains very low in some places. For example, only 309 people have been tested in Zimbabwe to date. Efforts to increase access to testing are under way. South Africa has started door-to-door COVID-19 testing and all HIV testing sites have added COVID-19 testing. The Caribbean Regional Public Health Agency has made efforts to increase testing in Trinidad and Tobago, though test kit availability and access to certified testing staff remains problematic. Malawi received 20,000 test kits this week.

Access to personal protective equipment (PPE) is an ongoing challenge. Ministries of Health (MOH) are making efforts to procure PPE, though access is limited in some countries. Some countries are experiencing price gouging and inequitable distribution of supplies. In India, ART staff are getting PPE supplies from the government, but differentiated service delivery (DSD) sites are not. In Botswana, I-TECH is working with local tailors to custom make PPE. In Kenya, custom made PPE is not allowed in clinical situations, but the government is manufacturing PPE and masks locally for health care workers. Review the World Health Organization’s most recent updates to PPE guidelines. All I-TECH offices should continue efforts to procure PPE for staff, using sole source procurement if necessary, in order to expedite the process.

All I-TECH country governments have implemented a curfew and/or a country-wide lockdown. Political unrest and violence have been reported in South Africa, Kenya, and India. Migration continues to occur where borders allow, with citizens attempting to return home. In Mozambique, 24,000 migrant workers returned from South Africa this week before the border closed. Efforts are being made to screen and quarantine returning citizens in places where borders are still porous.

Access to HIV services remains a priority. In India, ART dispensaries are opening near patients for convenience and access. Zimbabwe and Namibia have implemented more multi-month dispensing (MMD); stock determines the length of MMD. For example, in Namibia the goal was for six-month ART, but due to current supply, only four months can be accommodated.

I-TECH Response

Some MOHs have made specific requests of I-TECH teams. For example, in Malawi, MOH Public Health Reference Lab has requested I-TECH support in the development of standard operating procedures for COVID-19 testing. In Kenya, the I-TECH team is integrating droplet precaution and COVID-19 specific questions to the Infection Control Assessment Tool for facilities. Clinical staff in Namibia continue to provide HIV care. In Jamaica, the MOH invited I-TECH to join the COVID-19 & HIV response team. Clinic-based staff are also using electronic communication methods such as WhatsApp and a warm line to provide mentoring, clinical consultation, and support to hospitals.

Operations and finance teams have been instrumental across the I-TECH network to set up necessary operating procedures for staff to work remotely. This includes navigating internet support and airtime for staff, ensuring access to Quickbooks to allow for remote payment processing, and troubleshooting procurement of PPE to ensure staff are protected. Without the continued critical efforts of I-TECH’s operations and finance teams, staff would not be able to effectively work from home. Some creative approaches have emerged to mitigating work-from-home challenges: 1) Cote d’Ivoire is using Adobe Pro to e-sign necessary documents to ensure programmatic activity continues; 2) In Zimbabwe, a staff person parks a project vehicle at home so that the driver can transport staff working in the office, minimizing risk of exposure from public transport; and 3) South Africa is orienting new hires remotely.

USG Guidance to Date

PEPFAR technical guidance was updated this week. The update includes pediatric multi-month dispensing guidance, TB/HIV and COVID-19 clinical care and treatment guidance, and human resources for health recommendations for maintaining essential HIV services, including training.

27 March 2020

I-TECH COVID-19 Weekly Digest, 27 March 2020

Weekly Round-Up

(Note: These updates are as of 11 a.m. PT, 27 March 2020.)

National Responses

COVID-19 has been detected in all I-TECH countries except Botswana and Malawi. COVID-19-associated deaths have been reported in India, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Jamaica and Ukraine.[1] All governments have implemented some combination of measures to contain the disease including reducing the size of or eliminating gatherings, closing borders, establishing travel restrictions, encouraging hygiene practices, implementing social distancing measures and/or curfews, and closure of schools and non-essential businesses. India, South Africa, Ukraine, parts of Namibia, and Zimbabwe have implemented a national lockdown for a minimum of 21 days, with additional countries anticipating similar measures in the next week.

Governments, with USG support, have postponed what they deem as non-essential or elective procedures and have shifted to remote meetings and deploying distance-learning trainings to eliminate face-to-face contact. ART services are deemed essential and will remain open. Emphasis has been given towards ensuring that adequate supplies and medications are available for HIV programs and aggressive contact tracing of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Challenges have been reported across our network. Zimbabwe’s situation is particularly acute: nurses and doctors are on strike due to concerns related to lack of personal protective equipment; inflation rates are at 400%; food insecurity, and limited access to life-saving supportive care are compromising the health system. India is experiencing political unrest and food insecurity attributed to the national lock down. Cote d’Ivoire’s supply chain has been disrupted due to travel restrictions – no one can leave or enter Abidjan, the capital. Additional countries have reported fear that political unrest will likely occur in the coming weeks as well.

I-TECH’s Response

I-TECH has implemented policies to safeguard staff and their families from exposure to COVID-19. All offices established policies (Namibia example) to ensure staff can work from home. Some offices have implemented modified office hours to accommodate operational and fiscal responsibilities such as ensuring essential approvals and processing payments. For example, in Malawi, the office is open from 10 am–2 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and is staffed by a rotating person from the senior management team to ensure payments are processed. All field-based activities have been postponed, with guidance from project officers.

I-TECH has contributed to national responses in a variety of ways. Tanzania and Malawi have seconded staff to support the national COVID-19 response. In Malawi, an I-TECH seconded staff is now the COVID-19 response coordinator for MOH Public Health Institute of Malawi. I-TECH Malawi has also deployed an additional technical advisor to support the National HIV reference laboratory to support COVID-19 testing readiness and confirmatory DNA PCR testing quality assurance. In Tanzania, I-TECH seconded a technical advisor to support the national surveillance response. In Mozambique, MOH converted an existing health center to a COVID-19 service delivery facility. I-TECH is providing follow up for the 10,000 ART patients transferred from the converted health facility. In Zimbabwe, I-TECH is working with CDC to deploy staff, tents and vehicles to support ART services and the COVID response, They are also developing an online COVID-19 sensitization training. For I-TECH staff working in health facilities, I-TECH has or is working to procure PPE as recommended by the World Health Organization for staff and is trying to ensure that adequate HIV commodities, supplies and laboratory reagents are dispatched to facilities. In Namibia and India, ECHO sessions have been held by MOHSS to discuss COVID-19 response and in Tanzania, healthcare worker sensitization has been held in partnership with MOH.

USG Guidance to Date

All changes to I-TECH programming must be pre-approved with CDC or HRSA project officers and activity managers in advance. Any disruptions to programming as a result of COVID-19 should be documented and shared with project officers.

Procurement of PPE for I-TECH staff is allowable without prior approval. Procured PPE must be reasonable and based on number of staff needing it, frequency of use, and projected amount of time (such as a 6 week supply). OGAC announced on 23 March 2020 that PEPFAR resources could not be used to purchase PPE, ventilators or COVID-19 test kits for MOH counterparts for the larger country response.

The Quarter 2 reporting deadline has been extended to June 5 in two countries, with detailed guidance forthcoming. Follow up with your project officer to determine if deadlines have changed for your program.

1. Source: https://hgis.uw.edu/virus/

Free and Low-Cost Classes for Professional Development

Because many working from home may be looking for ways to remain engaged, we have compiled a list of online learning resources:

TheLadders.com – Guide to 7 elite universities offering free classes.

USAID Learning Lab – USAID’s platform for generating and sharing information, tools, and resources on how development practitioners can work together to integrate learning throughout the USAID Program Cycle.

Coursera – Online courses (with or without a certificate) taught by top instructors from the world’s best universities and education institutions. Varying in length and cost, they tend to last 4-6 weeks and are priced at about $29-$99 USD. Free course options are available.

edX – Similar to Coursera, edX provides free to low-cost online learning from more than 130 global partners including world’s leading universities, nonprofits and institutions.

LinkedIn – LinkedIn Learning offers over 10,000 online training programs. A free one-month trial is available, then memberships are $20/month.