Researchers

Anne Karing, Dr. Tom Sesay, Abou Bakarr Kamara
 

Abstract

Sierra Leone is a fragile post-conflict country and one of the poorest in the world. The Ebola outbreak in 2014 led to a collapse of the health system, with 21 percent of its health workforce dying and the economy sliding into a prolonged recession. This raises concerns that, out of fear, health workers might abandon workplaces and communities might stay away from clinics, increasing the risk of a fast, undetected COVID-19 transmission. Working with the Ministry of Health, researchers will implement a survey with 10% of government clinics to assess their COVID-19 preparedness and the functionality of critical health services for women and children in rural areas. In urban areas, to contain the spread of COVID-19, voluntary compliance with safety and hygiene regulations among the informal sector will be paramount. The research team will collect data with operators of public buses and passengers to measure compliance and inform behavioral interventions to increase adherence.

Project Outcomes of Interest

Are government clinics open and providing essential health services? Are health workers trained and have resources to handle COVID-19 cases? How are health workers coping with the pandemic? Are nurses working with community stakeholders to disseminate information about COVID-19? Are households staying away from clinics? If so, what are the reasons for that? Do people have (in)correct information about COVID-19? Are public buses compliant with health safety measures? Are bus drivers losing profits and what coping strategies have they adapted?
 

Partners

International Growth Centre, Princeton University, Sierra Leone Ministry of Health

Impact Goals

Project Data Collection Mode

Results Status

No Results Yet