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Atwongyeire D, Tegegne AA, Ndenzako F, Dineen B, Benjamin AE, Luo B, Melesachew F, George Bachan E, Baguma A. "Implementation of intensified COVID-19 vaccination optimization (ICVOPT) campaigns strategy in complex humanitarian emergency settings and hard-to-reach areas; a case of South Sudan". BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:544. [PMID: 38816715 PMCID: PMC11140945 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09371-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic is still a public health concern in South Sudan having caused suffering since the first case of COVID-19 was introduced on 28th February 2020. COVAX vaccines have since been introduced using a number of strategies including fixed site, temporary mobile, hit and run in flooded and conflict affected areas. We aim to describe the 2 ICVOPT campaigns that were conducted to improve the uptake and document lessons learnt during the initial rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programin South Sudan between February 2022 and June 2022 each lasting for 7-days. METHODOLOGY We conducted an operational cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological study of a series of the intensified COVID-19 vaccination Optimization (ICVOPT) campaigns from February 2022 to June 2022. Before the campaign, a bottom up micro-planning was conducted, validated by the County Health Departments (CHDs) and national MOH team. Each of the 2 campaigns lasted for 7 days targeting 30% of the eligible unvaccinated target population who were18 years and above. Each team consisted of 2 vaccinators, 2 recorders and 1 mobilizer. The teams employed both fixed site, temporary mobile, hit and run in flooded and conflict affected areas. The number of teams were calculated based on the daily workload per day (80 persons per team/day) for the duration of the campaigns. RESULTS A total of 444,030 individuals were vaccinated with primary series COVID-19 vaccine (J&J) out of the targeted 635,030 persons. This represented 69.9% of target population in the selected 28 counties and 10 states of South Sudan in 7 days' ICVOPT campaigns. More eligible persons were reached in 7 days campaigns than the 9 months of rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine prior to ICVOPT campaigns using the fixed site strategy at the health facility posts. CONCLUSION Intensified COVID-19 vaccination Optimization (ICVOPT) campaigns were vital and fast in scaling up vaccination coverages as compared to the fixed site vaccination strategies (2022 progress report on the Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-being for All Stronger collaboration for an equitable and resilient recovery towards the health-related Sustainable Development Goals, incentivizing collaboration, 2022) in complex humanitarian emergency settings and hard-to-reach areas of South Sudan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabian Ndenzako
- World Health Organization, Central Equatoria State, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Brendan Dineen
- World Health Organization, Central Equatoria State, Juba, South Sudan
| | | | - Benz Luo
- World Health Organization, Central Equatoria State, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Ferede Melesachew
- World Health Organization, Central Equatoria State, Juba, South Sudan
| | | | - Andrew Baguma
- World Health Organization, Central Equatoria State, Juba, South Sudan
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Thompson N, Kyaw KWY, Singh L, Cikomola JC, Singh NS, Roberts B. The effect of COVID-19 on the non-COVID health outcomes of crisis-affected peoples: a systematic review. Confl Health 2024; 18:37. [PMID: 38664834 PMCID: PMC11044391 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-024-00592-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic posed considerable risks to populations affected by humanitarian crises in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, there is limited understanding of how the pandemic may have affected non-COVID health outcomes among crisis-affected populations. Our aim was to examine the evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-COVID-19 health outcomes for crisis-affected populations in LMICs. METHODS A systematic review methodology was applied following PRISMA guidelines. Eligibility criteria were: crisis-affected populations in LMICS; COVID-19; and all health topics, except for sexual and reproductive health which was covered in a linked review. Five bibliographic databases and additional grey literature sources were searched. The search period was from 2019 to 31 July 2022. Eligible papers were extracted and analysed using a narrative synthesis approach based on the study objectives and relevant health access and systems frameworks. A quality appraisal was also conducted. FINDINGS 4320 articles were screened, and 15 eligible studies were identified and included in this review. Ten studies collected health outcomes data. Eight related to mental health, which generally showed worse mental health outcomes because of the pandemic, and pandemic-related stressors were identified. Two studies assessed physical health outcomes in children, while none addressed physical health outcomes among adults. Nine studies reported on access to healthcare, revealing worse access levels due to the pandemic and noting key barriers to care. Seven studies reported on the impact on health systems, with key challenges including reduced and distorted health care funding, reduced staff capacity, interrupted medicines and supplies, weak information and mixed-messaging, and weak leadership. All fifteen studies on the social determinants of health, particularly highlighting the effect of increasing poverty, the role of gender, and food insecurity on health outcomes. The quality of papers was limited overall. CONCLUSION This review found some limited evidence indicating negative mental health effects, increased barriers to accessing care, damage to health systems and magnified impacts on the social determinants of health for crisis-affected people during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the small number and limited quality of the studies make the overall strength of evidence quite weak.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Thompson
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - K W Y Kyaw
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - L Singh
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - J C Cikomola
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic
| | - N S Singh
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Bayard Roberts
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Asthana S, Mukherjee S, Phelan AL, Standley CJ. Governance and Public Health Decision-Making During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review. Public Health Rev 2024; 45:1606095. [PMID: 38434539 PMCID: PMC10904583 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1606095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: We provide an in-depth understanding of how governance and decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic has been empirically characterized in the literature to identify gaps in research and highlight areas that require further inquiry. Methods: We searched peer-reviewed publications using empirical data published between Jan 1, 2020 and Jan 31, 2022 in three electronic databases to examine the process of governance and decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two authors independently screened the records and 24 publications were extracted for the review. Results: Governance is analyzed by its level at national, sub-national, community and by its aspects of process, determinants and performance. While different methodological approaches are used, governance is conceptualized in four ways 1) characteristics and elements, 2) leadership, 3) application of power and 4) models or arrangements of governance. Conclusion: For future pandemic preparedness, there is a need for more empirical research using a unified conceptual approach to governance, which integrates decision-making processes and can guide governance structures and mechanisms across different countries and contexts. We call for more inclusivity in who performs the research on governance and where.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumegha Asthana
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Sanjana Mukherjee
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alexandra L. Phelan
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Claire J. Standley
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Mukherjee S, Asthana S, Ukponu W, Ihueze AC, Gobir IB, Phelan AL, Standley CJ. National and subnational governance and decision-making processes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria: an empirical analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012965. [PMID: 37696545 PMCID: PMC10496651 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Governance of the COVID-19 pandemic required decision-makers to make and implement decisions amidst uncertainty, public pressure and time constraints. However, few studies have attempted to assess these decision-making processes empirically during health emergencies. Thus, we aimed to understand governance, defined as the process of decision-making and implementation of decisions, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. We conducted key informant interviews and focus group discussions with national and subnational government officials, civil society organisation (CSO) members, development partners and academic experts. Our study identified several themes on governance and decision-making processes. First, Nigeria established high-level decision-making structures at the federal and state levels, providing clear and integrated multisectoral decision-making mechanism. However, due to the emergence of conflicts between government levels, there is a need to strengthen intergovernmental arrangements. Second, while decision-makers relied on input from academic experts and CSOs, additional efforts are required to engage such stakeholders in decision-making processes, especially during the early stages of health emergencies. Third, Nigeria's previous experiences responding to disease outbreaks aided the overall response, as many capacities and coordination mechanisms for cohesive action were present. Fourth, while decision-makers took a holistic view of scientific, social and economic factors for decision-making, this process was also adaptive to account for rapidly evolving information. Lastly, more efforts are needed to ensure decisions are inclusive, equitable and transparent, and improve overall public trust in governance processes. This study provides insights and identifies opportunities to enhance governance and decision-making processes in health emergency responses, aiding future pandemic preparedness efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Mukherjee
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sumegha Asthana
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | | | - Ibrahim B Gobir
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Alexandra L Phelan
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center for Health Security, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Claire J Standley
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
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Nizigiyimana A, Acharya D, Poder TG. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the health-related quality of life of frontline workers: the case of seven low-income Eastern African countries. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2023; 21:97. [PMID: 37605219 PMCID: PMC10463627 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-023-02145-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of humanitarian and healthcare workers and its related factors in seven Eastern African countries (EAC). METHODS A sample of frontline workers filled out an online cross-sectional survey questionnaire comprising socio-demographic, degree of symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress, alcohol and tobacco consumption, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using Short Form 6-Dimension version 2 (SF-6Dv2) and Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation 6-Dimension (CORE-6D), and fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S) questionnaires. Multivariate regressions were conducted to identify independent factors associated with HRQoL. RESULTS Of total 721 study participants, mean (standard deviation) scores for SF-6Dv2 and CORE-6D were 0.87 (0.18) and 0.81 (0.14), respectively. Participants with an education level below a university degree, having chronic diseases, been tested positive to COVID-19, with traumatic memories, depression, insomnia, distress, and stress were found to have lower HRQoL likelihood in terms of SF-6Dv2 scores during the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, participants with chronic diseases, exposure to COVID-19 patients, depression, insomnia, distress, stress, tested positive with COVID-19, and high level of fear of COVID-19, had lower HRQoL likelihood in terms of CORE-6D scores. Participants who were married had higher HRQoL likelihoods in terms of SF-6Dv2 scores. CONCLUSION Some personal and mental health characteristics, and COVID-19 related factors, were predictors of lower HRQoL of frontline workers in EAC. These findings should be meaningful while designing sustainable interventions and guidelines aiming to improve the HRQoL of frontline workers during a pandemic situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Nizigiyimana
- Department of Management, Evaluation and Health Policy, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC Canada
- Centre de REcherche en Santé Publique, Montréal, QC Canada
| | - Dilaram Acharya
- Department of Management, Evaluation and Health Policy, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC Canada
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montréal, QC Canada
| | - Thomas G. Poder
- Department of Management, Evaluation and Health Policy, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC Canada
- Centre Interuniversitaire de Recherche en ANalyse des Organisations, Montréal, QC Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, CIUSSS de l’Est-de-L’île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC Canada
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Mohammadpour M, Delavari S, Kavosi Z, Peyravi M, Izadi R, Bastani P. The necessity revealed by COVID-19 pandemic: Paradigm shift of Iran's healthcare system. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1041123. [PMID: 36761138 PMCID: PMC9902771 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1041123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in drastic changes around the world, revealing vulnerable aspects of healthcare systems. This study aimed to explore how Iranian healthcare system experienced the paradigm shift during the pandemic and determine the aspects that need improvement during the pandemic era. Method This qualitative study was conducted in 2021. A framework analysis approach was used to analyze the content of the 19 semi-structured interviews with the healthcare system experts from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS). The interviews' audio files changed into transcript after each session and data was saturated at the 19 interview. To increase the trustworthiness of the study, Guba and Lincoln's criteria including credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability were used. Goldsmith's five-step framework analysis was used applying MAX QDA version 10 software. Result Eight main themes and 20 subthemes were explored. The main themes included "strengthening the electronic health infrastructure," "research for evidence-based decision making," "dedicated financing to the pandemic," "prevention of disruption in the effective provision of services and medicines," "enriching the authority of the Ministry of Health by focusing on interactions," "recruiting, managing and empowering health human resources with attention to financial and non-financial incentives," "reforming educational approaches in training students in medical universities," as well as "lessons learned from neglected aspects." Conclusion To be ready to respond to a possible future pandemic and for a paradigm shift, bold steps must be taken to make fundamental changes in various aspects of the healthcare system including e-health development, evidence-based decision making, dedicated budgets for pandemics, reinforcement of interactions at the national and international level, as well as sufficient attention to healthcare workers from all financial, non-financial and educational aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadtaghi Mohammadpour
- Student Research Committee, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sajad Delavari
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Kavosi
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahmoudreza Peyravi
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reyhane Izadi
- Department of Health Care Management, School of Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Peivand Bastani
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Warsame A, Ore A, Azad A, Hassan F, Blanchet K, Palmer J, Checchi F. Auditing the quality of epidemic decision-making in Somalia: a pilot evaluation. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e065122. [PMID: 36596633 PMCID: PMC9815027 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess decision-making quality through piloting an audit tool among decision-makers responding to the COVID-19 epidemic in Somalia. DESIGN AND SETTING We utilised a mixed-methods programme evaluation design comprising quantitative and qualitative methods. Decision-makers in Somalia piloted the audit tool generating a scorecard for decision-making in epidemic response. They also participated in key informant interviews discussing their experience with the audit process and results. PARTICIPANTS A total of 18 decision-makers from two humanitarian agencies responding to COVID-19 in Somalia were recruited to pilot the audit tool. OUTCOME MEASURES AND ANALYSIS We used thematic analysis to assess the feasibility and perceived utility of the audit tool by intended users (decision-makers). We also calculated Fleiss' Kappa to assess inter-rater agreement in the audit scorecard. RESULTS The audit highlighted areas of improvement in decision-making among both organisations including in the dimensions of accountability and transparency. Despite the audit occurring in a highly complex operating environment, decision-makers found the process to be feasible and of high utility. The flexibility of the audit approach allowed for organisations to adapt the audit to their needs. As a result, organisation reported a high level of acceptance of the findings. CONCLUSION Strengthening decision-making processes is key to realising the objectives of epidemic response. This pilot evaluation contributes towards this goal by the testing what, to our knowledge, may be the first tool designed specifically to assess quality of decision-making processes in epidemic response. The tool has proven feasible and acceptable in assessing decision-making quality in an ongoing response and has potential applicability in assessing decision-making in broader humanitarian response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdihamid Warsame
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Abdikadir Ore
- Humanitarian Department, Care International Somalia, Garowe, Somalia
| | - Abdullah Azad
- Health Emergencies Department, World Health Organization Somalia, Mogadishu, Somalia
| | - Farhan Hassan
- Health Systems Strengthening Department, World Health Organization Somalia, Mogadishu, Somalia
| | - Karl Blanchet
- Faculty of Medicine, Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, University of Geneva, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Palmer
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Francesco Checchi
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Public Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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