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Fofanah BD, Kamara IF, Kallon C, Kamara R, Nuwagira I, Musoke R, Tengbe SM, Lakoh S, Korjie MM, Sheriff B, Maruta A, Katawera V, Kamara A, Hailu BG, Kanu JS, Makamure T, Njuguna C, Kabego L. Evaluating the tolerability and acceptability of a locally produced alcohol-based handrub and hand hygiene behaviour among health workers in Sierra Leone: a longitudinal hospital-based intervention study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:940. [PMID: 39152407 PMCID: PMC11329988 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11368-3] [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: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) is the gold standard for hand hygiene (HH) and is a cornerstone of infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies. However, several factors influence the efficient use of ABHR by health workers. This study evaluated the tolerability and acceptability of a locally produced ABHR product and HH behaviour among health workers. METHODS A longitudinal hospital-based intervention study was conducted in accordance with the WHO's standardized protocol for evaluating ABHR tolerability and acceptability (Method 1). Sixty health workers across 4 hospitals in Sierra Leone were observed over a 30-day period at three separate visits (days 1, 3-5, and 30) by trained observers. The outcomes of interest included skin tolerability and product acceptabilityevaluated using subjective and objective measures. RESULTS Objective and subjective evaluations demonstrated strong skin tolerability and high acceptability with the product. At all three visits, the skin tolerability score assessed by trained observers was < 2 in ≥ 97% of participants, exceeding the WHO benchmark score (BMS = < 2 in ≥ 75%). Participants' self-evaluations of overall skin integrity were 97% (visit 2) and 98% (visit 3) for scores > 4 (BMS = > 4 in ≥ 75%). The primary acceptability criteria increased up to 95% (colour) and 88% (smell) at visit 3 (BMS = > 4 in ≥ 50%). Despite high acceptability, the product's drying effect remained low at 52% and 58% during visits 2 and 3, respectively (BMS = > 4 in ≥ 75%). There were positive HH behaviours (n = 53, 88%), with more than half (n = 38, 63%) of them exhibiting HH at almost every HH moment. The mean ABHR was notably high (76.1 ml, SD ± 35), especially among nurses (mean = 80.1 ml) and doctors (mean = 74.0 ml). CONCLUSION The WHO-formulated, locally produced ABHR was well tolerated and accepted by health workers. These findings support the continuous utilization of evidence-based, cost-effective hand hygiene interventions in resource-limited settings. High handrub consumption and frequent HH practices were noticeable HH behaviours. Further research is recommended to optimize product formulations for skin dryness and investigate the association between ABHR consumption and hand hygiene compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Robert Musoke
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Sulaiman Lakoh
- Ministry of Health, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Bockarie Sheriff
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Anna Maruta
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Abibatu Kamara
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Joseph Sam Kanu
- Ministry of Health, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Tendai Makamure
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Charles Njuguna
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Landry Kabego
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
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Kamara IF, Fofanah BD, Nuwagira I, Kamara KN, Tengbe SM, Abiri O, Kamara RZ, Lakoh S, Farma L, Kamara AK, Hailu B, Dove D, Squire JS, D'Almeida SA, Sheriff B, Mustapha A, Bawa N, Lagesse H, Koroma AT, Kanu JS. Assessment of antimicrobial stewardship programmes and antibiotic use among children admitted to two hospitals in Sierra Leone: a cross-sectional study. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2024; 13:80. [PMID: 39039593 PMCID: PMC11265072 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-024-01425-1] [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: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern and irrational use of antibiotics in hospitals is a key driver of AMR. Even though it is not preventable, antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes will reduce or slow it down. Research evidence from Sierra Leone has demonstrated the high use of antibiotics in hospitals, but no study has assessed hospital AMS programmes and antibiotic use specifically among children. We conducted the first-ever study to assess the AMS programmes and antibiotics use in two tertiary hospitals in Sierra Leone. METHODS This was a hospital-based cross-sectional survey using the World Health Organization (WHO) point prevalence survey (PPS) methodology. Data was collected from the medical records of eligible patients at the Ola During Children's Hospital (ODCH) and Makeni Regional Hospital (MRH) using the WHO PPS hospital questionnaire; and required data collection forms. The prescribed antibiotics were classified according to the WHO Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe) classification. Ethics approval was obtained from the Sierra Leone Ethics and Scientific Review Committee. Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS version 22. RESULTS Both ODCH and MRH did not have the required AMS infrastructure; policy and practice; and monitoring and feedback mechanisms to ensure rational antibiotic prescribing. Of the 150 patients included in the survey, 116 (77.3%) were admitted at ODCH and 34 (22.7%) to MRH, 77 (51.3%) were males and 73 (48.7%) were females. The mean age was 2 years (SD=3.5). The overall prevalence of antibiotic use was 84.7% (95% CI: 77.9% - 90.0%) and 77 (83.8%) of the children aged less than one year received an antibiotic. The proportion of males that received antibiotics was higher than that of females. Most (58, 47.2 %) of the patients received at least two antibiotics. The top five antibiotics prescribed were gentamycin (100, 27.4%), ceftriaxone (76, 20.3%), ampicillin (71, 19.5%), metronidazole (44, 12.1%), and cefotaxime (31, 8.5%). Community-acquired infections were the primary diagnoses for antibiotic prescription. CONCLUSION The non-existence of AMS programmes might have contributed to the high use of antibiotics at ODCH and MRH. This has the potential to increase antibiotic selection pressure and in turn the AMR burden in the country. There is need to establish hospital AMS teams and train health workers on the rational use of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Franklyn Kamara
- Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Unit, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course Cluster, World Health Organization Country Office, 21 A-B Riverside Off Kingharman Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
- Reproductive maternal newborn child and adolescent health unit, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course Cluster, WHO Country Office in Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
| | - Bobson Derrick Fofanah
- Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Unit, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course Cluster, World Health Organization Country Office, 21 A-B Riverside Off Kingharman Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Innocent Nuwagira
- Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Unit, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course Cluster, World Health Organization Country Office, 21 A-B Riverside Off Kingharman Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Kadijatu Nabie Kamara
- Ministry of Health, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Brookfields, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Sia Morenike Tengbe
- Ministry of Health, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Brookfields, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Onome Abiri
- Pharmacy Board Sierra Leone, New England Ville, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Rugiatu Z Kamara
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Country Office, Emergency Operation Centre, Wilkinson Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Sulaiman Lakoh
- Ministry of Health, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Brookfields, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Lynda Farma
- Ministry of Health, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Brookfields, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Abibatu Kollia Kamara
- Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Unit, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course Cluster, World Health Organization Country Office, 21 A-B Riverside Off Kingharman Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Binyam Hailu
- Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Unit, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course Cluster, World Health Organization Country Office, 21 A-B Riverside Off Kingharman Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Djossaya Dove
- Department of Demographic and Social Statistics, National Institute of Statistics, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Selassi A D'Almeida
- Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Unit, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course Cluster, World Health Organization Country Office, 21 A-B Riverside Off Kingharman Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Bockarie Sheriff
- Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Unit, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course Cluster, World Health Organization Country Office, 21 A-B Riverside Off Kingharman Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Ayeshatu Mustapha
- Ministry of Health, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Brookfields, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Najima Bawa
- Momentum Country and Global Leadership, Sir Samuel Lewis Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Hailemariam Lagesse
- United Nation Children's Fund, Jomo Kenyatta Road, New England Ville, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Joseph Sam Kanu
- Ministry of Health, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Brookfields, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
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Kamara ABS, Fatoma P, Moseray A. The Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals on the Strategies, Challenges, and Community Responses to Health System Response and Interventions Towards Lassa Fever Infections and Mortality in Sierra Leone. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2024; 17:1127-1149. [PMID: 38737418 PMCID: PMC11088388 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s455254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Lassa fever is a critical public health issue in Sierra Leone that demands appropriate health system responses and interventions to mitigate infections and reduce mortality. Methods A qualitative study was conducted to delve into healthcare workers' experiences with Lassa fever management and interventions across diverse healthcare settings in Sierra Leone, including the Eastern Province and Freetown's Directorate of Health Security and Emergency (DHSE). Engaging ten key informants through purposive sampling, the study employed NVivo version 10 for a detailed thematic analysis using Query and Coding to systematically identify, classify, and organize key themes regarding knowledge, diagnostics, management roles, and community impact. Results The findings indicate a well-informed healthcare workforce but highlight gaps in early detection, diagnostic accuracy, and procedural standardization. Concerns were raised about the potential overestimation of disease incidence due to improved diagnostics, suggesting a historical under-detection of Lassa fever. The analysis underscores the need for a multifaceted management approach, emphasizing international collaboration and culturally sensitive community engagement to effectively tackle the disease. A significant concern identified is the high mortality rate resulting from delayed referrals and communication challenges within the health system, leading to actionable recommendations for enhancing Lassa fever response strategies. The study's thematic analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges and areas for improvement, emphasizing the critical role of healthcare professionals in combating Lassa fever. Conclusion Combating Lassa fever in Sierra Leone demands an integrative strategy that extends beyond medical interventions to encompass educational and infrastructural enhancements. This research pays homage to the commitment of healthcare professionals, underscoring the importance of sustained support and recognition of their essential contributions to advancing Lassa fever management and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu-Bakarr Steven Kamara
- Department of Public Health, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University Bo Campus, Bo City, Sierra Leone
| | - Patrick Fatoma
- Department of Public Health, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University Bo Campus, Bo City, Sierra Leone
| | - Andrew Moseray
- Department of Public Health, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University Bo Campus, Bo City, Sierra Leone
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Tengbe SM, Kamara IF, Ali DB, Koroma FF, Sevalie S, Dean L, Theobald S. Psychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic on front-line healthcare workers in Sierra Leone: an explorative qualitative study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068551. [PMID: 37607792 PMCID: PMC10445370 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has wide-reaching health and non-health consequences, especially on mental health and psychosocial well-being. Healthcare workers involved in COVID-19 patient care are particularly vulnerable to psychosocial distress due to increased pressure on healthcare systems. We explored the psychosocial experiences of front-line healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sierra Leone. METHODS This qualitative study used purposive sampling to recruit 13 healthcare workers from different cadres across 5 designated COVID-19 treatment centres in Freetown, Sierra Leone. In-depth interviews were conducted remotely in July and August 2020, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the framework approach. RESULTS This study identified three overarching themes: vulnerability, resilience and support structures. Participants expressed vulnerability relating to the challenging work environment and lack of medications as key stressors resulting in anxiety, stress, anger, isolation and stigmatisation. Signs of resilience with experiences drawn from the 2014 Ebola outbreak, teamwork and a sense of duty were also seen. Peer support was the main support structure with no professional psychosocial support services available to healthcare workers. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to provide evidence of the psychosocial impacts of COVID-19 among front-line healthcare workers in Sierra Leone. Despite signs of resilience and coping mechanisms displayed, they also experienced adverse psychosocial outcomes. There is a need to focus on enhancing strategies such as psychosocial support for healthcare workers and those that overall strengthen the health system to protect healthcare workers, promote resilience and guide recommendations for interventions during future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ibrahim Franklyn Kamara
- Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster, World Health Organisation Country Office for Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Desta B Ali
- Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Fanny F Koroma
- Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Stephen Sevalie
- 34 Military Hospital, Wilberforce, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Case Management Pillar, National COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Laura Dean
- International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sally Theobald
- International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Kamara RZ, Kamara IF, Moses F, Kanu JS, Kallon C, Kabba M, Moffett DB, Fofanah BD, Margao S, Kamara MN, Moiwo MM, Kpagoi SSTK, Tweya HM, Kumar AMV, Terry RF. Improvement in Infection Prevention and Control Compliance at the Three Tertiary Hospitals of Sierra Leone following an Operational Research Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:378. [PMID: 37505674 PMCID: PMC10385074 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8070378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Implementing infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes in line with the World Health Organization's (WHO) eight core components has been challenging in Sierra Leone. In 2021, a baseline study found that IPC compliance in three tertiary hospitals was sub-optimal. We aimed to measure the change in IPC compliance and describe recommended actions at these hospitals in 2023. This was a 'before and after' observational study using two routine cross-sectional assessments of IPC compliance using the WHO IPC Assessment Framework tool. IPC compliance was graded as inadequate (0-200), basic (201-400), intermediate (401-600), and advanced (601-800). The overall compliance scores for each hospital showed an improvement from 'Basic' in 2021 to 'Intermediate' in 2023, with a percentage increase in scores of 16.9%, 18.7%, and 26.9% in these hospitals. There was improved compliance in all core components, with the majority in the 'Intermediate' level for each hospital IPC programme. Recommended actions including the training of healthcare workers and revision of IPC guidelines were undertaken, but a dedicated IPC budget and healthcare-associated infection surveillance remained as gaps in 2023. Operational research is valuable in monitoring and improving IPC programme implementation. To reach the 'Advanced' level, these hospitals should establish a dedicated IPC budget and develop long-term implementation plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rugiatu Z. Kamara
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Country Office, Emergency Operation Centre, Wilkinson Road, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone;
| | - Ibrahim Franklyn Kamara
- World Health Organization Country Office, 21 A-B Riverside Drive, Off Kingharman Road, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (I.F.K.); (B.D.F.)
| | - Francis Moses
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (F.M.); (J.S.K.); (C.K.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (M.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.)
| | - Joseph Sam Kanu
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (F.M.); (J.S.K.); (C.K.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (M.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.)
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Science, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone
| | - Christiana Kallon
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (F.M.); (J.S.K.); (C.K.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (M.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.)
| | - Mustapha Kabba
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (F.M.); (J.S.K.); (C.K.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (M.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.)
| | - Daphne B. Moffett
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Country Office, Emergency Operation Centre, Wilkinson Road, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone;
| | - Bobson Derrick Fofanah
- World Health Organization Country Office, 21 A-B Riverside Drive, Off Kingharman Road, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (I.F.K.); (B.D.F.)
| | - Senesie Margao
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (F.M.); (J.S.K.); (C.K.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (M.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.)
| | - Matilda N. Kamara
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (F.M.); (J.S.K.); (C.K.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (M.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.)
| | - Matilda Mattu Moiwo
- Ministry of Defence, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone;
| | - Satta S. T. K. Kpagoi
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Fourth Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (F.M.); (J.S.K.); (C.K.); (M.K.); (S.M.); (M.N.K.); (S.S.T.K.K.)
| | - Hannock M. Tweya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
- International Training and Education for Health, Lilongwe P.O. Box 30369, Malawi
| | - Ajay M. V. Kumar
- International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 2 Rue Jean Lantier, 75001 Paris, France;
- International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, South-East Asia Office, C-6, Qutub Institutional Area, New Delhi 110016, India
- Department of Community Medicine, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), University Road, Deralakatte 75018, India
| | - Robert F. Terry
- The Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
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Kumar A, Joshi S, Sharma M, Vishvakarma N. Digital humanitarianism and crisis management: an empirical study of antecedents and consequences. JOURNAL OF HUMANITARIAN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jhlscm-02-2022-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThis study proposes a digital humanitarianism dynamic capability (DHDC) paradigm that explores the direct effects of DHDC on disaster risk reduction (DRR) and the mediating effects of process-oriented dynamic capabilities (PODC) on the relationship between DHDC and DRR.Design/methodology/approachTo validate the proposed model, the authors used an offline survey to gather data from 260 district magistrates in India managing the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsThe results affirm the importance of the DHDC system for DRR. The findings depict that the impact of PODC on DRR in the DHDC system is negligible. This study can help policymakers in planning during emergencies.Research limitations/implicationsTechnological innovation has reshaped the way humanitarian organizations (HOs) respond to humanitarian crises. These organizations are able to provide immediate aid to affected communities through digital humanitarianism (DH), which involves significant innovations to match the specific needs of people in real-time through online platforms. Despite the growing need for DH, there is still limited know-how regarding how to leverage such technological concepts into disaster management. Moreover, the impact of DH on DRR is rarely examined.Originality/valueThe present study examines the impact of the dynamic capabilities of HOs on DRR by applying the resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capability theory (DCT).
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