Pharmacy Preparedness and Response for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 in Aksum, Ethiopia; a Qualitative Exploration

Abstract

Background Novel Coronavirus is a global pandemic affecting all walks of life and it significantly changed the health system practices. Pharmacists are at the front line and have long been involved in combating this public health emergency. Therefore, the study was aimed to explore pharmacy preparedness and response to prevent and control coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods A qualitative study was conducted in six pharmacies in Aksum, Ethiopia in May, 2020. We conducted six in-depth interviews with purposively selected key informants. Direct observation measures were made to assess the activities made in the medicine retail outlets for the prevention and control of the pandemic. Interview data were audio-recorded, translated and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data and OpenCode version 4.02 software was used to facilitate the data analysis. Results The thematic analysis has resulted in seven major themes. Good preparedness measures were undertaken to control and prevent COVID-19. Participants had good knowledge about the pandemic disease and reported they had used different resource materials to update themselves. Preparing of alcohol-based hand-rub; availing finished sanitizers and alcohol; and advising clients to maintain physical distancing were the major counseling information being delivered to prevent the disease. Some tendencies of irrational drug use and false claims of COVID-19 were observed at the beginning of the pandemic. Interview informants had reported they were working with relevant stakeholders and appropriate patient education and support were given to combat the pandemic disease. Conclusion The study revealed necessary pharmacy services has been rendered to all clients. However, availability of drugs and medical supplies were scarce which negatively affected the optimal delivery of pharmacy services. The government and other responsible bodies should work together to solve such problems and contain the pandemic disease.

Level of Preparedness for COVID-19 and Its Associated Factors among Frontline Healthcare Providers in South Gondar Public Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

“…Although early detection and prevention of onward transmission significantly reduce the burden of COVID-19 [2,4], most African countries are much less prepared for the effective point of entry, screening, monitoring of vacationers, and treatment in the case of the contagious virus [5,6]. According to the WHO report, the number of COVID-19 cases will be increasing in the coming era, if not improving the level of preparedness of healthcare providers [5].…”

Preparedness level and associated factors of health professionals regarding COVID-19

“… 30 A study in Ethiopia showed that necessary pharmacy services have been rendered to all clients but drugs and medical supplies were scarce. 31 If the system fails to achieve this, it will increase the sick leave from the institution, 32 but in our institution, it’s made a little to protect the staffs, in Debre Tabor Hospital one health professional left the job due to fear of contracting the disease.…”

How medicines sales staff is responding to presumptive COVID‐19 patients attending drug retail outlets: An exploratory qualitative study

“…All these challenges to healthcare workforce in the midst of COVID‐19 have been documented frequently in the international literature, particularly from resource deprived nations with strained healthcare system. 5 , 15 , 29 , 30 , 46 , 48 To this end, Pakistani healthcare regulators need to act in tandem with developed countries 3 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 and strive towards advanced trainings accompanied by financial support for pharmacy sales staff. 5 Moreover, the government should intend to provide pharmacy staff with COVID‐19 protection packs, as provided by the UK government.…”