Strengthening anthrax outbreak response and preparedness: simulation and stakeholder education in Namisindwa district, Uganda
We found that the district's preparedness to respond to a potential anthrax outbreak was inadequate, especially in coordination and mobilisation, surveillance, case management, risk communication and control measures. The health education training intervention showed increased knowledge levels compared to the pre-test and post-test an indicator that the health education sessions could increase the index of suspicion. The low preparedness underscores the urgency to strengthen anthrax preparedness in the district and could have implications for other districts. We deduce that trainings of a similar nature conducted regularly and extensively would have better effects. This study's insights are valuable for improving anthrax readiness and safeguarding public and animal health in similar settings.
Authors
- Abel Wilson Walekhwa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9690-4650)
- Lydia Nabawanuka Namakula (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3900-7504)
- Alex Riolexus Ario (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3560-1952)
- Robert Mwebe (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6798-4716)
- Winnifred K. Kansiime (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6150-3187)
- Lawrence Mugisha (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4932-3356)
- Ashley Nakawuki (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8179-7186)
- Brenda Nakazibwe
- Valentina Ndolo
- Richard Ssekitoleko (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7631-6122)
- Edwinah Atusingwize (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8701-5608)
- Noah Kiwanuka (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2471-9290)
- Solomon Tsebeni Wafula (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6405-015X)
- Herbert Isabirye
- Harriet Kusiima
- Margerat I. Ndagire
Institutions
- University of Cambridge (GB)
- Ministry of Health (UG)
- World Health Organization - Uganda (UG)
- EcoHealth Alliance (US)
- Makerere University (UG)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Veterinary Research
- Published
- 2024-10-23
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04289-0
- Citations
- 5
- Primary Topic
- Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.95