Healthcare workers across Africa share their coronavirus stories

With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rising in many African countries, healthcare workers across the continent have been at the forefront of the response to the disease.

As in other parts of the world, many of these doctors and nurses are confronted with challenges in the face of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe, while others remain optimistic about the systems within which they operate.

Here, they share their stories of fighting the pandemic on the front lines. Some have chosen to remain anonymous.

Dr Bernard Hammond, president of Ghana Association of Doctors in Residency, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana

With more confirmed cases every day, most of us are apprehensive about the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). There has been a general shortage of basic protective equipment like facemasks, leading to reuse and prolonged use by health staff.

We are, however, quite resolute in fulfilling our duties, even in times like these.

The government’s announcement that health workers will be exempt from paying taxes for three months and a 50 percent salary raise for those who routinely come into contact with confirmed cases have indeed served to boost morale. Our concerns regarding equipment also seem to be generating some favourable response from the government, evidenced by their promotion of the local manufacturing of PPE and other logistics to meet our needs in the clinical setting.

The government has established health insurance packages for healthcare workers and protocols have also been established at the facility level for the isolation and testing of any staff exposed in the line of duty. During the period of isolation, arrangements have also been made for them to be taken care of.

With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rising in many African countries, healthcare workers across the continent have been at the forefront of the response to the disease.

As in other parts of the world, many of these doctors and nurses are confronted with challenges in the face of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe, while others remain optimistic about the systems within which they operate.

Here, they share their stories of fighting the pandemic on the front lines. Some have chosen to remain anonymous.

Dr Bernard Hammond, president of Ghana Association of Doctors in Residency, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana

With more confirmed cases every day, most of us are apprehensive about the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). There has been a general shortage of basic protective equipment like facemasks, leading to reuse and prolonged use by health staff.

We are, however, quite resolute in fulfilling our duties, even in times like these.

The government’s announcement that health workers will be exempt from paying taxes for three months and a 50 percent salary raise for those who routinely come into contact with confirmed cases have indeed served to boost morale. Our concerns regarding equipment also seem to be generating some favourable response from the government, evidenced by their promotion of the local manufacturing of PPE and other logistics to meet our needs in the clinical setting.

The government has established health insurance packages for healthcare workers and protocols have also been established at the facility level for the isolation and testing of any staff exposed in the line of duty. During the period of isolation, arrangements have also been made for them to be taken care of.