Good evening everyone.
Over the next few weeks, as previously mentioned by Neil, we will all be sharing information about "Essential Health Care services and Covid-19" and discussing the different facets of this topic as if influences Child health services.
I would like to share a link to the John Hopkins University Centre for Humanitarian Health with a repository of articles that document inquiries into a wide range of research around "Covid-19, Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition". http://hopkinshumanitarianhealth.org/empower/advocacy/covid-19/covid-19-... With articles from February 2020 to date and updates added regularly, it is a good place to start your search for evidence to use for action in our various areas of concern.
I also find the BMJ article titled "Voices from the frontline: findings from a thematic analysis of a rapid online global survey of maternal and newborn health professionals facing the COVID-19 pandemic" quite interesting. It underlines the changing faces of essential health care especially as it concerns the health of children and mothers as seen from the side of the care practitioners with some recommendations on how to strengthen the provision of these essential services.
https://gh.bmj.com/content/5/6/e002967
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially impacted maternity care provision worldwide. Studies based on modelling estimated large indirect effects of the pandemic on services and health outcomes. The objective of this study was to prospectively document experiences of frontline maternal and newborn healthcare providers.
Methods We conducted a global, cross-sectional study of maternal and newborn health professionals via an online survey disseminated through professional networks and social media in 12 languages. Information was collected between 24 March and 10 April 2020 on respondents’ background, preparedness for and response to COVID-19 and their experience during the pandemic. An optional module sought information on adaptations to 17 care processes. Descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis were used to analyse responses, disaggregating by low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs).
Results We analysed responses from 714 maternal and newborn health professionals. Only one-third received training on COVID-19 from their health facility and nearly all searched for information themselves. Half of respondents in LMICs received updated guidelines for care provision compared with 82% in HICs. Overall, 47% of participants in LMICs and 69% in HICs felt mostly or completely knowledgeable in how to care for COVID-19 maternity patients. Facility-level responses to COVID-19 (signage, screening, testing and isolation rooms) were more common in HICs than LMICs. Globally, 90% of respondents reported somewhat or substantially higher levels of stress. There was a widespread perception of reduced use of routine maternity care services, and of modification in care processes, some of which were not evidence-based practices.
Conclusions Substantial knowledge gaps exist in guidance on management of maternity cases with or without COVID-19. Formal information-sharing channels for providers must be established and mental health support provided. Surveys of maternity care providers can help track the situation, capture innovations and support rapid development of effective responses.
I hope these two reading suggestions will generate some discussions and sharing of experiences.
Regards,Dr Ranti Ekpo MD;PhDVoice of Children Foundation
CHIFA Profile: Ranti Ekpo is Program Manager/Researcher at the
development Research and Projects Center
in Nigeria. Professional interests: Health Advocacy, Child Health, Child diarrhoea, Childhood Pneumonia, Child Nutrition, Routine Immunisation, Family Planning. ekpooy AT yahoo.co.uk
