Evaluation of the Contribution of Care Systems for Epidemic-Prone Diseases in Strengthening the Health System in Guinea

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of care systems for epidemic-prone diseases while identifying their strengths and weaknesses to guide future improvements. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional evaluation study involving 356 response actors from the eight administrative regions of Guinea. Data were collected using structured questionnaires organized around three main components: Structure, Process, and Outcomes. A strengths and weaknesses analysis was also conducted. Results: Among the 356 respondents, 76.40% were female, while 23.60% were male. The predominant age group was 40-60 years, representing 51% of participants, while 89.9% had a university education. The Structure component scored an overall 61%, indicating an average contribution. Sub-components included: human resources (69%), logistics and health products (81%), and health financing (32%). The Process component scored 67%, also reflecting an average contribution. The supports included: care delivery (83%), coordination (81%), epidemiological surveillance (81%), awareness-raising (82%), human resources (58%), logistics and health products (49%), development of normative documents (31%), and health information systems (69%). Finally, the Outcomes component achieved an 88% contribution, reflecting a generally good impact, characterized by improved care indicators for epidemic-prone diseases (89%) and surveillance (96%), beneficiary satisfaction (96%), and improved laboratory indicators (78%). The overall contribution of care systems was estimated at 72%, corresponding to an average contribution. Conclusion: The study highlights an average contribution of epidemic-prone disease care systems in Guinea despite notable advances. An integrated approach is necessary to strengthen system resilience and improve preparedness for future epidemics.