COVID-19 Pandemic Response Capacity Status of West Africa
Introduction: From the onset of COVID–19 pandemic in late December 2019, countries have stepped up their pandemic preparedness and response activities in accordance with WHO recommendations. Informed by the recent lessons learned from the West Africa Ebola Virus Disease outbreak, and subsequent inve...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
African Field Epidemiology Network
2022-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.afenet-journal.net/content/series/5/2/7/full/ |
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| Summary: | Introduction: From the onset of COVID–19 pandemic in late December 2019, countries have stepped up their pandemic preparedness and response activities in accordance with WHO recommendations. Informed by the recent lessons learned from the West Africa Ebola Virus Disease outbreak, and subsequent investments made in public health emergency preparedness and response, it expected that West Africa is more capable of pandemic response than before. We assessed the COVID–19 pandemic response capacity status of West Africa states, and the support and leadership provided by the West Africa Health Organisation.
Methods: Between February 27 and March 15, 2020, we conducted a mixed method study of the response capacity status and preparedness activities among all the 15 West African states. We used the 9–item WHO national capacity review tool for novel corona virus (nCOV) to perform two types of assessments: a quantitative assessment of the status of states' response capacity; and a qualitative assessment of pandemic preparedness activities. Our data sources were: expert interviews, COVID–19 country situation reports, COVID–19 pandemic preparedness training reports, and minutes of inter-governmental meetings. We calculated and tabulated counts and proportions to depict the response capacity standings on assessable requirements for each of the 9–items for states. We also performed a descriptive thematic analysis on the strengths and weaknesses of preparedness activities at state and regional levels.
Results: Overall, 87% (13/15) of member states had the capacity test for COVID–19 by PCR. All (100%) of the 15 states had functional incident management systems; rapid response teams; and at least two of the three tiers of field epidemiology workforce. There existed good cross-border collaborations among member states, active participation of health ministers of member states in regional coordination meetings and decision making. Member states described health workforce for response as inadequate. None of the member states had stockpiles of COVID–19 test kits, laboratory supplies, and personal protective equipment.
Conclusion: The West Africa sub region is able to investigate and confirm COVID–19. Member states are taking appropriate pandemic preparedness measures in all response pillars. Governments of member states are supportive of the coordination and technical direction of WAHO and WHO, but not as much with adequate funding for national and regional response. |
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| ISSN: | 2664-2824 |