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Table 1 Search algorithm applied to medical databases to retrieve evidence on prospective pathways and innovative strategies relevant for the assessment and management of the emerging risks in accessibility, safety, quality, and affordability of essential medicines and vaccines in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The algorithm was applied to LitCovid, Scopus, MEDLINE (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science Core Collection, African Index Medicus, and Cochrane Library. Evidence gathering was done from April 22 to October 2, 2020

From: A review of prospective pathways and impacts of COVID-19 on the accessibility, safety, quality, and affordability of essential medicines and vaccines for universal health coverage in Africa

Module

Set

Terms

I. Assessment of the potential/observed pathways and impacts of COVID-19 on service delivery and/or equitable access to quality medicines and vaccines

1

“COVID-19” or “SARS-CoV-2”

2

“healthcare” or “medicines” or “drugs” or “vaccines” or “service”

3

“quality” or “access” or “cost” or “affordability” or “equity” or “coverage” or “safety” or “prescription” or “innovation”

4

“Africa”

5

1 and 2 and 3 and 4

II. Innovations in service delivery and/or management and supply of essential medicines and vaccines applicable to manage the risks potentially associated with the COVID-19 pandemic

1

“drug manufacturing” or “drug procurement” or “mobile clinics” or “telephone triage” or “user fees exemption” or “task delegation” or “risk allowance” or “online medical education”

2

“effectiveness” or “cost-effective” or “efficiency” or “outcomes” or “strategies” or “innovations”

3

“Africa”

4

1 and 2 and 3