The Role of Social Work in the Provision of Healthcare in Africa

The role of social work in the healthcare settings during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa

“…Hough (2010) argues that the major component of counseling encompasses a relationship that is based on support, principles of empowerment of the client, confidentiality, and identification of resources. Since medical social workers have skills and competencies in providing counseling (Dako-Gyeke et al, 2018), they have used these skills with other allied healthcare teams to deal with the emotional and social consequences of the pandemic. Medical social workers have been engaged in developing a therapeutic relationship in counseling with individuals or families (a) to help them recover from illness and post-discharge care and (b) address the issues of addiction related to the pandemic.…”

“…Social work as a profession provides adequate and appropriate services in the outbreak of pandemics and other emergencies (Brinkerhoff, 2014). The profession seeks to support and empower vulnerable people, including the elderly, children, and people with chronic diseases (Dako-Gyeke et al, 2018). As a profession, social work contributes immensely to the area of care, protection of rights, and support for at-risk populations (Bess and Collins, 2014).…”

“…While the pandemic has intensified the need for addressing the health and social needs of people, social workers have contributed to all areas including the healthcare settings (Agwu and Okoye, 2021). Social workers in health settings are referred to as medical or hospital social workers and they provide psychosocial interventions for patients and families to address health-related conditions (Dako-Gyeke et al, 2018; Hassan, 2016). During the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers offer professional skills, competencies, and knowledge in the social determinants of health to help individuals, families, and communities (National Association of Social Workers, 2020).…”

“…Unfortunately, in Africa, many health practitioners do not recognize the important roles social workers could perform or play within health institutions (Dako-Gyeke et al, 2018). Even in health institutions where professionals recognize the roles of medical social workers, there are limited collaborations to maximize their potentials to address the issues of patients (Dako-Gyeke et al, 2018).…”

“…Unfortunately, in Africa, many health practitioners do not recognize the important roles social workers could perform or play within health institutions (Dako-Gyeke et al, 2018). Even in health institutions where professionals recognize the roles of medical social workers, there are limited collaborations to maximize their potentials to address the issues of patients (Dako-Gyeke et al, 2018). Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has threatened the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in some African countries (United Nations, 2020), ignoring the roles of social workers in the COVID-19 program and policy response in healthcare settings could impact the attainment of these goals by 2030.…”