Excess COVID-19 Mortality Estimation in Mogadishu, Somalia
Excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mogadishu, Benadir Region, Somalia: estimates from satellite imagery of burial sites
Abstract
Accurate COVID-19 attributable excess mortality estimates are important in guiding appropriate COVID response and management. In the absence of reliable death registries, proxy measures can be of use. The East Africa Research and Innovation Hub commissioned the Somalia Disaster Resilience Institute (SDRI) to conduct burial site monitoring in Somalia as a proxy measure of excess mortality resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. SDRI worked with a team at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and used satellite imagery, statistical modelling, ground verification, and key informant interviews to conduct an analyses of COVID-19 attributable excess mortality in Mogadishu, Benadir Region, in Somalia. Similar work has been undertaken in other settings. The findings will support evidence-informed COVID policy and action.
Citation
Abdirisak Dalmar, Ahmed Aweis, Farah Bashir, Mohamed Ahmed, Francesco Checchi, Abdihamid Warsame, Chris Reeve, Terri Fremantle, Andy Norris, Yolanda Vazquez, and Chris Williams. (2021) COVID19 Mortality Study; Mogadishu, Somalia: Excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mogadishu, Benadir Region, Somalia: estimates from satellite imagery of burial sites. Somali Disaster Resilience Institute (SDRI), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Satellite Applications Catapult.
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