The "Healthwise” Approach In Togo, From Pilot Centers To The National Strategy For The Promotion Of Safety And Health At Work For Health Workers (2016-2021)

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In the majority of African countries and particularly in Togo, the safety and health conditions in their workplaces in the health sector are insufficient. Since 2016, the HealthWISE-WHO/ILO approach has been an effective tool for promoting occupational safety and health (OSH) in experimentation in the health sector in Togo. The objective of this analysis is to highlight the first positive impacts of this approach. Materials and Methods: Analysis of the reports of the Health Centres Pilot Health Centres project by the HealthWISE-ILO/WHO approach and the implementation documents of the OSH Strategic Plan for Health Workers in Togo Results: The promotion of the improvement of occupational safety and health through the HealthWISE approach in the thirteen (13) pilot health centres had led to a clear advance in the field. Indeed, of the thirteen pilot centres, eight (8) had carried out a summary assessment of occupational risks and all the centres appointed HealthWISE focal points. Ten (10) health centres were able to carry out improvement action plans. Improvement actions are illustrated by improvements made in maternity wards, offices and intensive care units in some hospitals. Since 2020, the achievements of the implementation of the HealthWISE action plans have enabled a rapid response by integrating the strategy into the national response to the emergency response to the covid-19 pandemic with a view to protecting health workers. Conclusion: the ILO/WHO HealhWISE approach and the implementation of the national strategy have led to a significant improvement in OSH in the health sector in Togo.