Authors: Abdulkadir Abdi, Abdulrazaq Yusuf Ahmed, Mohamed Abdulmunim, Mary Joan Karanja, Abera Solomon, Farid Muhammad, Mengistu Kumlachew, Majdouline Obtel, Sk Md Mamunur Rahman Malik

International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2020

Abstract

Background: Somalia, a country with a long history of instability, has a fragile healthcare system that is consistently understaffed. A large number of healthcare workers (HCWs) have become infected during the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Objective: This report presents the preliminary findings of COVID-19 infection in Somali HCWs, the first of such information from Somalia.

Methods: This preliminary retrospective study analysed available data on infection rates among Somali HCWs.

Results: As of 30 September 2020, 3700 cases of COVID-19, including 98 deaths, had been reported in Somalia; 191 (5%) of these cases were HCWs. During the first 180 days of the outbreak, 311 HCWs were tested for COVID-19 and 191 tested positive (positivity rate: 61%). During the epidemic’s peak, HCWs represented at least 5% of cases. Of the 191 infected cases, 52 (27%) were doctors, 63 (33%) were nurses, seven (4%) were laboratory technicians, and 36% were other staff.

Conclusion: More information must be sought to put measures in place to protect the health and safety of HCWs in Somalia’s already understaffed and fragile healthcare system.