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Safer primary healthcare facilities are needed to protect healthcare workers and maintain essential services: lessons learned from a multicountry COVID-19 emergency response initiative

Authors :
Christopher T Lee
Richard Lako
Faisal Shuaib
Mohammed Lamorde
Andrew Kambugu
Patrick Nguku
Leena N Patel
Samantha Kozikott
Rodrigue Ilboudo
Moreen Kamateeka
Marion Subah
Fatima Tsiouris
Anna Vorndran
Ramatu Abdu-Aguye
Usman Gana Abdulkadir
Usman Saidu Adamu
Olugbemiga Aina
Jackson Amone
Philip Bammeke
Bakunawa Garba Bello
Karen Brudney
Sae-Rom Chae
António Cristóvão
Eunice Damisa
Georges Alain Etoundi Mballa
Ntombi Ginindza
Nkwan Jacob Gobte
Benjamin Grant
Kieran Hartsough
Shambel A. Hussen
Harrison Kamiru
Jones Kaponda Masiye
Felix Kayigamba
Stephen Macheso
Limpho Maile
Olivier Manzi
Joana Maria
Susan Michaels-Strasser
Lucy Moe
Lumbani Munthali
Naomi Mviha
Gerald Mwima
Felix Ndagije
Isilda Neves
Folasade Ogunsula
Solome Okware
Charles Olaro
Ibrahim Suleiman Ozaki
Miriam Rabkin
Mantue Reeves
T. Ruston Yarnko
Ruben Sahabo
Likelay Tehmeh
Lyson Tenthani
Marshall Thomas
Belinda Ubar
Gideon Ugbenyo
Onyekachi Ukaejiofo
Chukwuma David Umeokonkwo
George Upenytho
Debra Vambe
Chea Sanford Wesseh
Habtamu Ayalneh Worku
Source :
BMJ Global Health, Vol 6, Iss 6 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
BMJ Publishing Group, 2021.

Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of infection from SARS-CoV-2 and other disease pathogens, which take a disproportionate toll on HCWs, with substantial cost to health systems. Improved infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes can protect HCWs, especially in resource-limited settings where the health workforce is scarcest, and ensure patient safety and continuity of essential health services. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we collaborated with ministries of health and development partners to implement an emergency initiative for HCWs at the primary health facility level in 22 African countries. Between April 2020 and January 2021, the initiative trained 42 058 front-line HCWs from 8444 health facilities, supported longitudinal supervision and monitoring visits guided by a standardised monitoring tool, and provided resources including personal protective equipment (PPE). We documented significant short-term improvements in IPC performance, but gaps remain. Suspected HCW infections peaked at 41.5% among HCWs screened at monitored facilities in July 2020 during the first wave of the pandemic in Africa. Disease-specific emergency responses are not the optimal approach. Comprehensive, sustainable IPC programmes are needed. IPC needs to be incorporated into all HCW training programmes and combined with supportive supervision and mentorship. Strengthened data systems on IPC are needed to guide improvements at the health facility level and to inform policy development at the national level, along with investments in infrastructure and sustainable supplies of PPE. Multimodal strategies to improve IPC are critical to make health facilities safer and to protect HCWs and the communities they serve.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20597908
Volume :
6
Issue :
6
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
BMJ Global Health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.3fb551e386254ac5ad3118d75930d837
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005833