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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Disaster preparedness and response capacity of regional hospitals in Tanzania: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Authors: Philip M. Koka, Hendry R. Sawe, Khalid R. Mbaya, Said S. Kilindimo, Juma A. Mfinanga, Victor G. Mwafongo, Lee A. Wallis, Teri A. Reynolds

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Tanzania has witnessed several disasters in the past decade, which resulted in substantial mortality, long-term morbidity, and significant socio-economic losses. Health care facilities and personnel are critical to disaster response. We assessed the current state of disaster preparedness and response capacity among Tanzanian regional hospitals.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in all Tanzanian regional hospitals between May 2012 and December 2012. Data were prospectively collected using a structured questionnaire based on the World Health Organization National Health Sector Emergency Preparedness and Response Tool. Trained medical doctors conducted structured interviews and direct observations in each hospital.

Results

We surveyed 25 regional hospitals (100% capture) in mainland Tanzania, in which interviews were conducted with 13-hospital doctors incharge, 9 matrons and 4 heads of casualty. All the hospitals were found to have inadequate numbers of all cadres of health care providers to support effective disaster response. 92% of hospitals reported experiencing a disaster in the past 5 years; with the top three being large motor vehicle accidents 22 (87%), floods 7 (26%) and infectious disease outbreaks 6 (22%). Fifteen hospitals (60%) had a disaster committee, but only five (20%) had a disaster plan. No hospital had all components of surge capacity. Although all had electricity and back-up generators, only 3 (12%) had a back-up communication system.

Conclusion

This nationwide survey found that hospital disaster preparedness is at an early stage of development in Tanzania, and important opportunities exist to better prepare regional hospitals to respond to disasters.

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Title: Disaster preparedness and response capacity of regional hospitals in Tanzania: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Philip M. Koka
Hendry R. Sawe
Khalid R. Mbaya
Said S. Kilindimo
Juma A. Mfinanga
Victor G. Mwafongo
Lee A. Wallis
Teri A. Reynolds
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-3609-5

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Disaster preparedness and response capacity of regional hospitals in Tanzania: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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