Case Report
Capacities of Frontline Health Services During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study in Senegal
Abdoulaye Diallo*
,
Zeyni El Abidine Sy,
Abib Ndiaye,
Viviane Marie Solange Mbengue,
Aissatou Nomokho,
Mame Omar Gueye,
Papa Ibrahima Ndour,
Abdoulaye Diaw,
Fatoumata Zahra Mboup,
Tidiane Gadiaga,
Fatoumata Ly,
Fanding Badji,
Moussa Traore,
Jeff Kabinda,
Davy Audrey Liboko,
Babacar Gueye,
Kamadore Toure,
Youssoupha Ndiaye,
Samba Cor Sarr
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
261-269
Received:
1 August 2026
Accepted:
14 August 2026
Published:
8 September 2026
Abstract: 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.
Abstract: 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...
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Research Article
Antibiotic Use, Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness and Knowledge–Practice Gaps in Magharibi A, Zanzibar:
A Bayesian Estimation and Posterior Predictive Analysis
Ochieng O Anthony*,
Sultan Khamis Muki
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
270-282
Received:
17 August 2026
Accepted:
26 August 2026
Published:
22 September 2026
Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is driven partly by inappropriate antibiotic use, including premature treatment discontinuation, antibiotic sharing, and inappropriate treatment decisions. This study assessed antibiotic-use practices, AMR awareness, and the knowledge–practice gap among community inhabitants and community health workers in Magharibi A District, Zanzibar, while applying Bayesian analysis to project the persistence of inappropriate antibiotic-use behaviours under comparable conditions. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 16 December 2025 to 24 June 2026 among 60 respondents, comprising 44 community inhabitants and 16 community health workers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, Bayesian estimation, and posterior predictive analysis to quantify uncertainty and estimate the likely occurrence of selected antibiotic-use behaviours in comparable populations. All community inhabitants (44/44, 100%) reported previous antibiotic use, and none reported obtaining antibiotics without a prescription. However, all (44/44, 100%) reported discontinuing antibiotic treatment before completing the prescribed course. Economic constraints were the leading reported reason for discontinuation (22/44, 50.0%), while 7/22 (31.8%) of those reporting economic constraints also reported antibiotic sharing. Traditional or herbal remedies were subsequently used by 25/44 (56.8%) inhabitants, including 7/44 (15.9%) following hospital discharge. AMR awareness was lower among community inhabitants (29/44, 65.0%) than among community health workers (16/16, 100%), highlighting a substantial knowledge–practice gap. Bayesian posterior predictive analysis indicated that inappropriate antibiotic-use behaviours may remain prevalent in comparable communities if underlying social, economic, and behavioural conditions remain unchanged. These findings highlight the need to strengthen community-based AMR education, antibiotic-use counselling, and socioeconomic support, with active involvement of community health workers, to promote rational antibiotic use and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship in Zanzibar.
Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is driven partly by inappropriate antibiotic use, including premature treatment discontinuation, antibiotic sharing, and inappropriate treatment decisions. This study assessed antibiotic-use practices, AMR awareness, and the knowledge–practice gap among community inhabitants and community health workers in Magharibi A...
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