ABSTRACT
Massive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) devastation was anticipated in Pakistan due to poor track record of responding to epidemics. However, by adopting effective and timely response measures under strong government leadership, Pakistan averted a significant number of infections. We present the government of Pakistan's efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, using the World Health Organization's guidelines for epidemic response intervention. The sequence of interventions is presented under the epidemic response stages, namely anticipation, early detection, containment-control, and mitigation. Key factors of Pakistan's response included decisive political leadership and implementation of a coordinated and evidence-informed strategy. Moreover, early control measures, mobilization of front-line health workers for contact tracing, public awareness campaigns, 'smart lockdowns', and massive vaccination drives are key strategies that helped flatten the curve. These interventions and lessons learnt can help countries and regions struggling with COVID-19 to develop successful strategies to flatten the curve and enhance disease response preparedness.
ABSTRACT
Current research aims to analyze the experiences of families about their psycho-social well-being in the wake of COVID-19. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from the 557 households in Islamabad between the months of November & December 2021. Knowledge and practices to prevent COVID-19, self-efficacy and trust in the sources of information were assessed by using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The findings of the study illustrated that majority of the respondents were aware of the COVID-19 pandemic, its common symptoms, and formal and informal precautionary measures/treatment. However, COVID-19 has impacted their psychosocial well-being. Results indicated that psychological well-being is significantly affected by resilience and knowledge of COVID-19, whereas, self-efficacy and trust of sources has no significant impact on psychological wellbeing. The findings also highlighted the significant impact of resilience and self-efficacy on social wellbeing and self-efficacy also has a significant correlation with psychological wellbeing. The study concluded that COVID-19 has not only altered the routine life of families but also affected their psychosocial wellbeing irrespective of individuals affected or not affected by the infection. It is recommended that steps may be taken at the community and government level to mitigate the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families.
ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 is having many impacts on health, economy and social life; some due to the indirect effects of closure of health facilities to curb the spread. Closures were implemented in Pakistan from March 2020, affecting provision of reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) services. Aims: To appraise the effects of containment and lockdown policies on RMNCH service utilization in order to develop an early response to avoid the catastrophic impact of COVID-19 on RMNCH in Pakistan. Methods: Routine monitoring data were analysed for indicators utilization of RMNCH care. The analysis was based on Period 1 (January-May 2020, first wave of COVID-19); Period 2 (June-September 2020, declining number of cases of COVID-19); and Period 3 (October-December 2020, second wave of COVID-19). We also compared data from May and December 2020 with corresponding months in 2019, to ascertain whether changes were due to COVID-19. Results: Reduced utilization was noted for all RMNCH indicators during Periods 1 and 3. There was a greater decline in service utilization during the first wave, and the highest reduction (~82%) was among children aged < 5 years, who were treated for pneumonia. The number of caesarean sections dropped by 57%, followed by institutional deliveries and first postnatal visit (37% each). Service utilization increased from June to September, but the second wave of COVID-19 led to another decrease. Conclusion: To reinstate routine services, priority actions and key areas include continued provision of family planning services along with uninterrupted immunization campaigns and routine maternal and child services.