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Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Services and Mitigation Measures in Uganda

Author

Listed:
  • Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye

    (Makerere University School of Public Health, Uganda)

  • Okethwangu Denis

    (Makerere University School of Public Health, Uganda)

  • Mary Kaakyo

    (Makerere University School of Public Health, Uganda)

  • Claire Biribawa

    (Makerere University School of Public Health, Uganda)

Abstract

On 21st March 2020, Uganda reported its first COVID-19 case. The government responded by instituting a lockdown and other measures. We assess the effects of the COVID-19 containment measures on health services to better inform the next preventive measures. We use a case study approach that involved document reviews and secondary analysis of data on attendance of key health services and mortality for the years 2019 and 2020. The services included outpatient department (OPD), antenatal care (ANC), malaria, immunization, TB, and hypertension. Interrupted time series analysis was applied to test the significance of difference between pre-and postintervention. We find that from March to April 2020, attendance to health services reduced and then rose in June or July. Notable reduction was in general OPD (17%), malaria-OPD (7%), ANC (8%), immunization (10%), hypertension (17%), and diabetes (10%). Institutional mortality reduced in same period. The intervention significantly affected the level and trends of malaria-OPD and immunization. We conclude that the lockdown reduced access to health services while institutional mortality fell due to reduced number of patients. There is need to emphasize other mitigation measures rather than lockdowns.

Suggested Citation

  • Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye & Okethwangu Denis & Mary Kaakyo & Claire Biribawa, 2021. "Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Services and Mitigation Measures in Uganda," Working Papers 571, Center for Global Development.
    • Handle: RePEc:cgd:wpaper:571
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    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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