Reflections From a COVID-19 Frontline Nurse
How USAID helped a nurse in Zimbabwe answer the call to work in a COVID-19 isolation center
It is just before dawn in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, when 30-year-old Sanelisiwe Moyo prepares to go to work. She pours steamy, hot water into her flask and packs instant coffee and a sandwich into her lunch bag — she needs the energy since it will be a very long day.
She waits patiently outside in the cold wind for her ride to work, bundled in a dark blue sweater over her crisp white nurses’ uniform, a matching white mask, and a knitted winter hat and gloves. She must brave not only the chilly Zimbabwean winter mornings, but also the risk of contracting COVID-19.
“I always wanted to be a nurse,” Sanelisiwe said. “For me, nursing is a passion and a calling.”
Sanelisiwe graduated from Nursing School in 2015 and started working for USAID partner, the Organization for Public Health Interventions (OPHID), which provides HIV prevention, care, and treatment services in Zimbabwe.
The global pandemic arrived in Zimbabwe
In March, countries across the globe, including Zimbabwe, went into lockdown to slow the spread of the virus. People were instructed to stay home, and to only go out to buy groceries or medicine.
As the world was grappling with this sudden nightmare and thousands of fatalities each day, health workers were on the frontlines, bravely working day and night, putting their lives at risk. Sanelisiwe was one of them.
“I read about COVID-19 on social media when the first cases were being recorded in Wuhan Province, China,” Sanelisiwe said. “As a nurse, I had a natural interest to understand this new disease. I knew it was just a matter of time before Zimbabwe started recording cases.”
To contain the virus, the Government of Zimbabwe set up temporary isolation centers for citizens returning to Zimbabwe and those who tested positive for COVID-19. They recruited nurses from local hospitals and clinics to work at these centers for one-week intervals, since most nurses were on strike over a lack of personal protective equipment and low wages.
Called to serve
In June, Sanelisiwe was called for the first time to work at a COVID-19 isolation center for a week. She recalled being completely unprepared for what she would encounter.
“I enjoy interacting with patients — smiling with them, holding hands, and sometimes giving them a pat on the shoulder — offering the care and support they need,” she said. “Suddenly, everything had changed. Working at the isolation center was very traumatizing.”
Because of COVID-19, Sanelisiwe followed a strict routine each day.
“Before interacting with any patients, I put on personal protective equipment, latex gloves, a cap, gown, and a face mask,” she said. “I ensured the patients wore their masks and sanitized their hands. While maintaining social distancing, I recorded their travel history and any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. Then I offered guidance about what they could expect while in the quarantine facility.”
Sanelisiwe said she will always remember her first confirmed COVID-19 patient.
“The patient was devastated and in denial that she had the virus,” Sanelisiwe said. “Although she tested positive for COVID-19 twice, she had no symptoms. I counseled her each day until she was finally COVID-19-free and discharged.”
What motivated Sanelisiwe the most has been seeing patients recover.
“I knew there was hope and I have been inspired to do more and ensure all my patients return home to their families,” said Sanelisiwe.
Sanelisiwe also follows a strict routine when she arrives home from work, so she lowers the risk of transmitting the virus to her family. Before interacting with her family, she removes her uniform and soaks it in bleach, then she takes a bath.
“Working in the isolation center has been stressful,” she said. “My concern has been for the health of my family. I thank God for protecting them and me.”
USAID lessens the burden
To help Zimbabwe combat COVID-19, USAID has trained over 8,000 healthcare workers in more than 670 healthcare facilities in comprehensive and advanced COVID-19 case management, enhanced surveillance, and strengthened infection prevention and control.
Through OPHID, USAID has supplied more than 700 health facilities and isolation centers with hand-washing stations, which included buckets with taps, water receptacles, 5-liter containers of liquid soap, and posters in local languages showing how to wash hands.
USAID, through OPHID, also helps distribute antiretroviral therapy medicine in health facilities across Zimbabwe, ensuring that people living with HIV receive at least a three-month supply of their medication, which is especially important throughout the lockdown.
USAID is proud to support nurses like Sanelisiwe who are dedicated to their calling and are willing to step up in a time of crisis to serve in COVID-19 isolation centers. Sinelisiwe recounted part of the nurse’s Nightingale Pledge: “…as a ‘missioner of health,’ I will dedicate myself to devoted service to human welfare.”
“I will do my best ‘till the end,” Sinelisiwe added.
About the Author
Tariro Mhute is a Program Assistant with the Organization for Public Health Interventions (OPHID), a USAID partner providing HIV prevention, care, and treatment services in Zimbabwe.
