Study title: Impact of Covid-19 in healthcare workers and health care systems in Zimbabwe

Lead Reseacher(s): Katharina Kranzer

Funder(s): Elizabeth Blackwell Institute, Welcome Trust, Canadian Embassy, ELMA, UK Research and Innovation, UKAID, ZINCAT

Partner(s): Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare City Health, Counselling Services Unit

Background

Frontline healthcare workers are essential for a functioning healthcare system, and their own health is often not addressed. During COVID-19 pandemic healthcare workers were at disproportionately high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection globally while equally at risk of other communicable and non-communicable diseases just like the general population. This motivated the development, implementation, and adaptation of an integrated health check combining SARS-CoV-2 testing with screening for other communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Study aim(s)

To establish a model for screening and referral for common communicable and non-communicable diseases for front-line healthcare workers

Study design

The ICAROZ study is a cross-sectional, mixed method study through which an integrated health check for frontline healthcare workers was implemented in health facilities including tertiary-level hospitals, provincial and district hospitals, primary health clinics (in Harare), private and mission hospitals, in Zimbabwe. The health check included screening for SARS-CoV-2, tuberculosis, HIV, obesity, anemia, common mental health disorder, diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and vision impairment. A total of 6598 health workers across 48 health facilities accessed the service.

Duration

July 2020 -July 2022.