Covid-19 challenges outlined

The National National

By LULU MARK
THERE are a lot of challenges in managing the Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation hence there is a need for a uniform provincial health authority (PHA) structure to ensure there is control, a senior doctor says.
National Pandemic Response deputy controller Dr Daoni Esorom said because the PHA structure was not uniform it was difficult to institute command and control in the pandemic response. “We need to keep our PHAs on guard and always be in touch with them because they are the only delivery health system in the country apart from the private sector.”
Esorom said the Pandemic Act of 2020 allowed for the creation of the Covid national and provincial control centres.
“Provincial coordination was important in the response as the National Control Centre’s major task was to develop strategies, collaborate, coordinate and organise resources,” he said.
“At the provincial level don’t forget the provincial coordinating centre (PCC) which by law the provincial administrator is the head.
“There is the provincial emergency operation centre set up for polio vaccinations and Covid-19 response.
“I appeal to PHAs, if your PEOC is not functional please make it functional.”
Some of the challenges included:

  • OUTDATED laws and regulations;
  • STAFF shortages and limited capacities in all government departments including Health and PHAs impedes implementation of Covid-19 activities;
  • ACUTE shortage of medical supplies and equipment;
  • LIMITED access to health facilities by the rural population;
  • RUN down facilities in the rural areas;
  • NATIONAL Coordination Centre operations underfunded;
  • NON-ACUITTAL of PHA and other government departments Covid-19 funding allocations;
  • NON-FUNCTIONING PEOCs and PCCs (lack of coordination and monitoring service;
  • DECLINING Covid-19 screening, testing, vaccination and reporting; and,
  • DECLINING Niupela Pasin/ public health prevention measures.