The effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the delivery of maternal and child health services in South Africa - 16/10/24
, Maryke Geldenhuys a, Juliet Charity Yauka Nyasulu a, b
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Highlights |
• | MCH services markedly declined during the pandemic. |
• | Pre-pandemic health challenges to South Africa’s health system were exacerbated by the pandemic. |
• | A nationwide immunization catch-up drive during the pandemic period nevertheless helped to maintain immunization coverage. |
• | However, the year-end holidays during the study period showed decreased access to the MCH services, regardless of pandemic occurrence. |
Abstract |
Objective |
The COVID-19 pandemic severely interrupted the functioning of healthcare systems, negatively affecting the global provision of maternal and child health (MCH) services. This study aims to specify the effects of COVID-19 on these services in the Gauteng province (South Africa) and to put forward context-specific recommendations aimed at augmenting them and ensuring ongoing uninterrupted coverage, even and especially during pandemics.
Methods |
In this quantitative study, a retrospective review of District Health Information System data routinely collected between February 2019 and March 2021 was conducted, comparing performance of the relevant indicators across the two-year span. The data were analyzed using Stata 16 statistical software (StataCorp). The two sample t-test with equal variance and the Mann-Whitney test were applied to evaluate the equality of the indicators.
Results |
Routine MCH services were negatively impacted, with marked declines in all relevant indicators from the onset of the pandemic. There was a statistically significant decline in cervical cancer coverage and maternal postnatal visits within six days of delivery. While declines in the other critical indicators were likewise observed, they were not statistically significant.
Conclusion |
The South African response to the pandemic had negative repercussions on all MCH services in the Gauteng province. The lessons to be drawn from the pandemic experience should help to strengthen health system capacities, boost service provision, and mitigate future damage to the healthcare system.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : COVID-19, Maternal health, Child health, Gauteng, South Africa
Plan
Vol 54 - N° 7
Article 104978- octobre 2024 Retour au numéro
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