ObjectivesTo summarise the evidence relating to the prevalence of anxiety and depression among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignAn umbrella review of systematic reviews was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methods.Data sourcesThe Cochrane database of systematic reviews, JBI Evidence Synthesis, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase and CINAHL were searched in March 2021 for reviews published in English.Eligibility criteriaSystematic reviews reporting the prevalence of anxiety and depression among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two researchers screened each abstract and independently reviewed full text articles. Study quality was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tool for systematic reviews, and the degree of overlap in primary studies was calculated.ResultsTen systematic reviews (100 unique studies), including 169 157 HCWs from 35 countries were included. The prevalence of anxiety among all HCWs ranged from 22.2% (95% CI 21.3% to 23.1%) to 33.0% (95% CI 31.9% to 34.1%). The prevalence of anxiety among physicians (n=5820) was reported to be between 17% and 19.8% and for nurses (n=14 938) between 22.8% and 27%. The prevalence of depression among all HCWs ranged from 17.9% (95% CI 17.1% to 18.8%) to 36% (95% CI 34.9% to 37.1%). The prevalence of depression among physicians (n=643) and nurses (n=8063) was reported to be 40.4% and 28%, respectively.ConclusionsThere is wide variation evident in the presence of anxiety and depression among HCWs. In particular, the prevalence of depression among physicians was high. Strategies to reduce the incidence of anxiety and depression are urgently required.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021238960.

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Citizen expectations regarding government accountability and transparency are rising around the globe and this has given politicians and public administrators an obligation to account for their actions more regularly than in the past. Although a number of African countries have made notable strides in public expenditure management, citizens` level of trust in government is eroding owing to administrative challenges such as corruption, embezzlement of public funds and ineffective delivery of public services. Against this backdrop, public sector budget monitoring and evaluation has emerged to spur efficiency, effectiveness and transparency within organisations and institutions in relation to meeting developmental goals and outcomes. One of the socioeconomic ills prevalent in Africa is the failure to channel resources towards the achievement of gender outcomes as shown by existing gender disparities. Using desktop research, this article responds to this ultimate concern by examining the extent to which Uganda and Rwanda have played a leading role in the implementation of budget M&E to achieve specific gender outcomes. Results show that although a number of countries have transformed their budget monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, only a few have managed to align these systems to gender equality goals.