Evidence on the Accuracy of the Number of Reported Covid-19 Infections and Deaths in Lower-Middle Income Countries
This review focuses on the accuracy of the number of reported infections and deaths in official records released by governments
Abstract
This rapid literature review focuses on the accuracy of the number of reported Covid-19 infections and deaths in official records released by governments in Lower-Middle Income Countries (LMICs). In addition, the review highlights some of the reasons for data inaccuracies and/or manipulation of Covid-19 statistics.The evidence reviewed suggests that there are data inaccuracies in reporting of Covid-19 infections in LMICs. There is also evidence of deliberate inaccuracies and concealment in reporting of Covid-19 infections in these countries. Examples highlighted include: Tanzania and Nicaragua. Findings show that inaccuracies in officially reported data are not unique to the Covid-19 pandemic, but there are similar instances in reporting problems in previous infectious disease outbreaks. Examples highlighted include: Ebola and HIV.
This report was prepared for the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and its partners in support of pro-poor programmes
Citation
Richards, R. (2020). Evidence on the accuracy of the number of reported Covid-19 infections and deaths in Lower-Middles Income countries. K4D Helpdesk Report 856. Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies