Title:
The Effect of the West-African Ebola Crisis on the Sierra Leonean Health System: Hospital Admissions as an indicator for Health System Performance
Authors:
Duinen, Alex van
Place:
Amsterdam
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2017
PAGE:
viii, 50
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Ebola, Health System, Sierra Leone
Abstract:
The West-African Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) outbreak, infected over 28,000 people with more than 11,000 deaths. In an attempt to assess the health system performance in Sierra Leone, weekly admission data was collected before and during the crisis. All hospitals in Sierra Leone known to perform inpatient surgery were assessed for non-Ebola admissions, between January 2014 and May 2015. Changes in admissions was calculated compared to the situation before Ebola. Data was analysed in relation to weekly confirmed Ebola cases divided by sex, age, sector and districts. In addition the health system was analysed using the WHO health system building blocks framework. Admissions dropped by 95% in the private for-profit sector. During the same period the admissions in the private non-profit sector decreased with 61%. Whilst the governmental sector with 46% reduction in admissions proved to be the most resilient sector. The decrease in admissions can be explained by the health workforce that was experiencing the loss of staff and fear which resulted in challenges with continuation of the service delivery. Up-to-date information, rapid-tests, vaccines and treatment was essential. International assistance catalysed both the financial resources and the leadership to coordinate successful intervention. With the right focus, strategy and tools it is possible to create impact. Strengthening the weak health system to improve under-5 and maternal mortality should be prioritized both in the national and international arena.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Sierra Leone
Region:
West Africa
Training:
Master of International Health
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2017 Duinen
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
oCpBwyXgmM_20180415114024400.pdf