Cross-sectional survey reveals gaps in diagnostics, prevention compliance, and community trust in Senegal, highlighting urgent resource needs.
Key Points
Assess frontline healthcare capacities, continuity of essential services, and community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Senegal.
Conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey via telephone across 86 health facilities and 74 community key informants.
Evaluated maintenance of essential health services, epidemic treatment center management capacity, and community perceptions using descriptive tracer indicators.
Frontline facilities experienced discontinuities in essential services, with only 50% equipped to perform COVID-19 rapid diagnostic tests.
Fewer than 1 in 5 health facilities complied with COVID-19 prevention guidelines and barrier measures, and only a small fraction possessed all tracer medicines.
Community informants reported widespread COVID-19 concerns coupled with distrust toward COVID-19 vaccination.