An assessment of infection prevention and control preparedness of healthcare facilities in Nigeria in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (February–May 2020)

Abstract

Background Infection prevention and control (IPC) activities play a large role in preventing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare settings. This study describes the state of IPC preparedness within health facilities in Nigeria during the early phase of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods We carried out a cross sectional study of health facilities across Nigeria using a COVID-19 IPC checklist adapted from the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The IPC aspects assessed were the existence of IPC committee and teams with terms of reference and workplans, IPC training, availability of personal protective equipment and having systems in place for screening, isolation and notification of COVID-19 patients. Existence of the assessed aspects was regarded as preparedness in that aspect. Results In total, 461 health facilities comprising, 350 (75.9%) private and 111 (24.1%) public health facilities participated. Only 19 (4.1%) health facilities were COVID-19 treatment centres with 68% of these being public health facilities. Public health facilities were better prepared in the areas of IPC programme with 69.7% of them having an IPC focal point versus 32.3% of private facilities. More public facilities (59.6%) had an IPC workplan versus 26.8% of private facilities. Neither the public nor the private facilities were adequately prepared for triaging, screening, and notifying suspected cases, as well as having trained staff and equipment to implement triaging. Conclusions The results highlight the need for government, organisations and policymakers to establish conducive IPC structures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in healthcare settings.

A Review of the Coronavirus Epidemic in Nigeria

“…Africa has one of the worst health systems in the world, but little is known about how the continent is dealing with the pandemicboth in terms of preparation and response. The primary obstacles to the health system's readiness for the pandemic were the scarcity of services, equipment, and resources, as well as the COVID-19 testing and surge capacity limitations [19] A decrease in the number of patients and missed appointments were two of the COVID-19 pandemic's most prevalent effects. Africa's health systems suffered greatly as a result of the pandemic's poor preparation [20].…”

“…This study attempts to give a solution for preventing, managing, and treating the pandemic for the Federal School, State, Nigeria, and the globe. The Federal School, as a training and research institution, organizes a committee to evaluate the coronavirus (COVID- 19). The coronavirus is as ancient as the overall virus.…”