Countries are being confronted with rapidly increasing demand caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. When health systems are overwhelmed, mortality from the outbreak and from other treatable and preventable conditions increase dramatically. Unless countries balance the demands of responding directly to COVID-19, while simultaneously maintaining essential services, the indirect impact will surpass the direct impact of COVID.
This project aims to generate evidence on the indirect effect COVID-19 posed on essential health services by looking at selected key indicators across health facilities pre- and intra-COVID19. Furthermore, the study will show the response and the mitigation strategy used by the health system to maintain essential health care services. In addition, level of community’s health service utilisation for non-COVID services and the factors influencing utilisation will be identified.
This project aims to:
- determine the indirect health burden of COVID-19 on essential healthcare services in Addis Ababa
- explore the health system response to maintain essential healthcare services in Addis Ababa
- explore the impact of COVID-19 on the health seeking behaviour within the community in Addis Ababa
We believe the findings of this study can be used as an input to improve strategic preparedness and sustain uninterrupted health service provision during outbreaks that will help the effort of improving the well-being of the society.
