ArticleBMC health services research2025
The effectiveness of the Sierra Leone health sector's response to COVID-19: a quantitative analysis.
Article in BMC health services research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Associations of workforce characteristics, calendar time, and assessment modality with quality performance in family planning and post-abortion care services in Sierra Leone, 2019-2022.Global health action · 2026Article
- Mapping malaria hotspots through spatial and spatio-temporal analysis in Sierra Leone, 2021-2024.Public health action · 2026Article
- Evidence of resiliency in maternal health services and outcomes in Kono District, Sierra Leone during the COVID-19 pandemic: an observational study.BMC public health · 2025Observational
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to health systems globally, particularly in low-resource settings like Sierra Leone. Understanding the effectiveness of leadership, health workforce performance, community engagement, and service delivery during the pandemic is critical for strengthening future pandemic, preparedness and response.
methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 303 respondents, including stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, district health management teams, and community health workers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed to assess perceptions of leadership, workforce performance, community participation, and disruptions to health services.
resultsLeadership and governance were rated as "effective" or "very effective" by 58% of respondents, with key challenges including inadequate communication, delays in resource mobilization, and limited transparency. The health workforce demonstrated strong commitment (62%), but gaps in infection prevention and control training (48%) and shortages of personal protective equipment (39%) were significant barriers. Community engagement was moderately effective, with 54% rating it as "effective" or "very effective." However, low trust in the health sector and misinformation hindered compliance with preventive measures. Maternal and child health services were the most disrupted, but innovative approaches such as telemedicine and mobile health units were adopted to mitigate service interruptions.
conclusionSierra Leone's COVID-19 response highlighted both achievements and challenges. While leadership structures, workforce dedication, and community health worker contributions were notable strengths, gaps in communication, resource availability, and community trust limited the overall effectiveness of the response. Strengthening communication channels, investing in workforce training and resources, and enhancing community engagement strategies are critical for improving preparedness and response in future health emergencies.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.