Capacities of Frontline Health Services During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study in Senegal

Background: The organization of health systems has been largely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the role of hospitals in the management of serious cases, front-line services have been particularly affected. This study aims to provide information on the capacities and response needs of the health system during COVID-19 pandemic in Senegal. Methods : A cross-sectional survey was carried in 86 facilities at national level and 74 key informants from communities. Three domains were targeted: capacity of health services to maintain essential health services; capacity to manage COVID-19 cases in epidemic treatment centers; community needs and perceptions regarding the use of essential services. Data collection was done by phone. Data analysis included the estimation of tracer indicators using percentages and numbers. Results: The assessment of the capacity of first-line services showed a discontinuity of certain essential services. Concerning the management of suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19, only one in 2 structures is equipped to perform Rapid Diagnostics Tests. The overall availability of medicines is noted in majority of facilities, while a tiny part has all the tracer medicines. The level of application of barrier measures in facilities, and compliance with guidelines for COVID-19 prevention is low (less than 1 in 5 facilities). Despite communities raised concerns about COVID-19, there was a distrust regarding COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: This pilot system demonstrated the possibility of providing tracer indicators during a response to an epidemic, in a diligent and systematic way, through an electronic and telephone data collection, thus helping fast informed decisions making.