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. 2023 Oct;33(Spec Iss 2):87-94.
doi: 10.4314/ejhs.v33i2.2S.

Essential Health Services Delivery Status During COVID-19 Pandemic in Ethiopia: A National Mixed-Methods Survey of Primary Healthcare Units

Elias Ali Yesuf  1 , Biru Abdisa  1 , Habtamu Sime  1 , Enku Kifle Alemu  1 , Netsanet Abera Asseffa  2 , Meskerem Jisso  2 , Alemu Tamiso  2 , Akalewold Alemayehu  2 , Rekiku Fikre  2 , Abdurezak Umer  3 , Mesfin Kebede  3 , Hussen Mohammed  3 , Bekele Yazie  3 , Kassu Ketema Gurmu  4 , Kassahun Dessie Gashu  5 , Dessies Abebaw Angaw  5 , Berhanu Fikadie Endehabtu  5 , Binyam Tilahun  5 , Tajebew Zayede Gonete  5
Affiliations

Essential Health Services Delivery Status During COVID-19 Pandemic in Ethiopia: A National Mixed-Methods Survey of Primary Healthcare Units

Elias Ali Yesuf et al. Ethiop J Health Sci. 2023 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Essential health services are a package of services critical to improve health outcomes. COVID-19 pandemic disrupts essential health services. However, the level of essential health service disruption due to COVID-19 in Ethiopia is not clear. This study aimed at measuring the status of delivery of essential health services in Ethiopia during COVID-19.

Methods: A national mixed-methods cross-sectional survey was conducted. It was undertaken in Amhara (10 districts), Oromia (eight districts), Sidama (six districts), Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region (16 districts), and Dire Dawa City Administration. A total of 452 health facilities were surveyed. Data were collected using face-to-face interview. Descriptive analysis was undertaken. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically.

Results: The woredas (districts) and health facilities which adopted essential health services before the COVID-19 pandemic were 81.4% and 51.2%, respectively. Nearly all health centers provided antenatal care services. Blood pressure measuring apparatus and delivery set were available in all health centers. However, only 50% of health centers had radiant warmer. Malnutrition services were provided by 47% of rural health centers. Moreover, a functional incinerator was available in only 41% of health centers. The provision of cardiovascular disease management was at 27.2%. Furthermore, HIV/AIDS treatment was provided by 43.5% of health facilities.

Conclusion: The adoption of lists of essential health services was optimal. The status of delivery of essential health services was high for maternal healthcare. Neonatal care at birth, malnutrition treatment, and cardiovascular disease management were low. The district health system should strive more to maintain essential health services.

Keywords: COVID-19; Ethiopia; essential health services; primary healthcare.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Socio-ecological barriers for family planning service uptake in Ethiopia, 2021
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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