Preliminary findings of COVID-19 infection in health workers in Somalia: a reason for concern

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

BACKGROUND: Somalia, a country with a long history of instability, has a fragile healthcare system. Consistently, Somalia’s healthcare system is understaffed and healthcare workers (HCWs) undersupplied. During the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, a large number of HCWs were infected. OBJECTIVE: This report presents the preliminary findings of COVID-19 infection in Somali HCWs, the first of such information from Somalia. METHODS: This is a preliminary retrospective analysis of available data on infection rates among Somali HCWs. RESULTS: As of 30 September 2020, 3700 cases of COVID-19, including 98 deaths, have been reported in Somalia. Of these cases, 191 (5%) were HCWs. During the first 180 days of the start of 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 191 infected cases, 52 (27%) were doctors, 63 (33%) were nurses, 7 (4%) were laboratory technicians and 36% were other staff. CONCLUSION: More information must be sought to put measures in place protect the health and safety of HCWs in Somalia’s already understaffed and fragile healthcare system.