Situational Analysis in Responding to Emerging and Re-Emerging Epidemics: A Case Study of Dodoma City in Tanzania

Abstract

Background information: Currently the World is experiencing numerous calamities due to various causes such as pathogens in terms of epidemics and change of weather patterns. However the modalities of preparedness in the public health sector has slow growth. This study hypothesised that handling of epidemics in Tanzania lacks the trained staff and health facilities lack the capacity in case such scenario strike. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Dodoma city to assess the preparedness of the health sector to handle emergencies. The study was conducted for a period of seven months (March – October, 2020 using Semi-structured questionnaire were used to collect data in health facilities of Dodoma city in Tanzania. The data were collected from health care providers whose selection was based on their willingness to participate and location of the health facilities. The study determined the preparedness of the health sector and personnel on occurrence of epidemics. Results: Eighty four (84) participants were involved: 61.9% mentioned an epidemic to be a disease which is emerging, 76.2% characterised epidemic as a disease with first occurrence, 23.8% as a disease with high incidence rate. 73.8%, 92.9%, 70.2% of the participants were aware that simulation, biosafety measures and team preparedness could contain epidemics, respectively. It was noted that simulation could be significant is practised effectively among health workers, team formulation and the chain of communication during outbreaks. Conclusion and recommendation: The capacity of the health system to respond to epidemics in Tanzania needs to be strengthened in terms of human resource and facilities; so as to facilitate periodic simulations for health personnel to handle epidemics.