After action review: preparedness and response to the dengue epidemic in 2023 in the Centre region, Burkina Faso

Objectives This study intends to learn lessons quickly from the dengue epidemic of 2023 in Burkina Faso for better preparation for future health emergencies. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2024. The technical functions to be explored were coordination, case management, epidemiological surveillance, risk communication and community engagement, vector management, laboratory and logistics. The members of the after action review were selected according to a reasoned process to document best practice and gaps, and to formulate key recommendations. Results The workshops reported that the level of preparedness was good and the response was adequate compared with epidemics in previous years. Gaps were observed mainly in terms of leadership in planning and resource mobilization. All the recommendations arising from this review were discussed and the main ones retained in order to strengthen the system’s response capacity. Conclusion As this study is an internal evaluation, it would be interesting to combine it with an external evaluation to analyze the structuring of the response mechanism, its operation and the effectiveness of interventions.