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Community perspectives on the COVID-19 response, Zimbabwe.
Mackworth-Young, Constance Rs; Chingono, Rudo; Mavodza, Constancia; McHugh, Grace; Tembo, Mandikudza; Chikwari, Chido Dziva; Weiss, Helen A; Rusakaniko, Simbarashe; Ruzario, Sithembile; Bernays, Sarah; Ferrand, Rashida A.
  • Mackworth-Young CR; Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, England.
  • Chingono R; Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Mavodza C; Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England.
  • McHugh G; Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Tembo M; MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England.
  • Chikwari CD; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England.
  • Weiss HA; MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England.
  • Rusakaniko S; Community Medicine Department, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Ruzario S; Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Bernays S; School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
  • Ferrand RA; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England.
Bull World Health Organ ; 99(2): 85-91, 2021 Feb 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1261333
ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate community and health-care workers' perspectives on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and on early pandemic responses during the first 2 weeks of national lockdown in Zimbabwe.

METHODS:

Rapid qualitative research was carried out between March and April 2020 via phone interviews with one representative from each of four community-based organizations and 16 health-care workers involved in a trial of community-based services for young people. In addition, information on COVID-19 was collected from social media platforms, news outlets and government announcements. Data were analysed thematically.

FINDINGS:

Four themes emerged (i) individuals were overloaded with information but lacked trusted sources, which resulted in widespread fear and unanswered questions; (ii) communities had limited ability to comply with prevention measures, such as social distancing, because access to long-term food supplies and water at home was limited and because income had to be earned daily; (iii) health-care workers perceived themselves to be vulnerable and undervalued because of a shortage of personal protective equipment and inadequate pay; and (iv) other health conditions were sidelined because resources were redirected, with potentially wide-reaching implications.

CONCLUSION:

It is important that prevention measures against COVID-19 are appropriate for the local context. In Zimbabwe, communities require support with basic needs and access to reliable information to enable them to follow prevention measures. In addition, health-care workers urgently need personal protective equipment and adequate salaries. Essential health-care services and medications for conditions other than COVID-19 must also continue to be provided to help reduce excess mortality and morbidity.
Subject(s)

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Communicable Disease Control / Health Personnel / Community Health Services / COVID-19 Type of study: Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Africa Language: English Journal: Bull World Health Organ Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Blt.20.260224

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Communicable Disease Control / Health Personnel / Community Health Services / COVID-19 Type of study: Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Africa Language: English Journal: Bull World Health Organ Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Blt.20.260224