Exploring factors enabling the spread of COVID-19: Narratives of health professionals in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Abstract

Low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) are affected by an array of health problems ranging from the weak infrastructure health system to the shortage of equipment and qualified personnel in hospitals and other medical facilities. This makes it difficult for health systems in these countries to withstand pandemics like COVID‐19 leading to a rapid infection of the population. This research study was set to explore the factors enabling the spread of COVID‐19 in the city of Harare. The study utilised an explorative qualitative approach (EQA). The study recruited 40 (N = 40) health professionals who worked for the private sector and the Ministry of Health. One to one semistructured interviews were used to collect data. The data were thematically analysed and presented. Ethical approval was granted by the Joint Research Council of Zimbabwe (JREC). The study found that the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), disregard for social distancing, lack of running water, shortage of clinical supplies, overcrowded living houses, selective enforcement of restrictions and corruption were factors that enabled the spread of COVID‐19 pandemic in the city of Harare. There is need for more hospitals to be built and fully equipped with the necessary equipment if health delivery and management of people affected by COVID‐19 is to be improved. More importantly, the health system needs to be supported by a robust health promotion initiative to enlighten communities on pandemics like COVID‐19 and the need to observe utmost hygiene in all spaces.