Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic on Essential Health Care Services and Mitigation Strategies Implemented in Benishangul Gumuz Region: An Emerging Region of Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Health systems in low-to-middle-income countries often lack the resources to withstand pandemic shocks. This study evaluates the impact of COVID-19 on essential health services and mitigation strategies in the Assosa district of Benishangul Gumuz, Ethiopia.

Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study with a multilevel triangulated mixed approach was used. Health facilities were purposively selected, and key informants from various facilities were interviewed. Document reviews from health facility reports and case logs assessed service utilization before and after the pandemic.

Findings: The study revealed a significant decrease in antenatal care (ANC) visits, new and repeated family planning acceptors, skilled deliveries, and postnatal care within seven days during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was an increase in home deliveries, teenage pregnancies, and stillbirths. Vaccination coverage for nearly all vaccines significantly declined. Additionally, the number of children treated for diarrheal diseases, individuals screened for HIV, new HIV-positive cases, and new HIV-positive individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy significantly decreased.

Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted essential health services in the region. The most affected groups are those at higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Global collaboration is vital for national planning, health system strengthening, community-based measures, and donor investments to prevent endemics and reduce morbidity and mortality. To enhance public health and pandemic resilience, governments and NGOs should invest in health infrastructure, implement community health initiatives, encourage donor support, and focus on long-term health strategies for vulnerable populations.

Note:
Funding Information: This study was funded by a local organization, local health Bureaus and departments with printing and stationary support.

Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing of interest to disclose that are relevant to this article.

Ethics Approval Statement: The research planning, conduct, and reporting adhered to the Helsinki Declaration. The study received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Assosa University (Ref No: ASU/IRB/018/22). Before starting the study, a support letter was obtained from district health offices, and meetings were held with community leaders and members to explain the study's aims. Participants were informed about the study and written and verbal consent was obtained from each.

Keywords: Impacts of COVID-19, Pandemic, mitigation, Benishangul, Ethiopia