Perceptions, Preparedness, and Anticipated Challenges of Healthcare Workers and Communities for Potential Marburg virus outbreaks in South Omo, Southern Ethiopia, 2025: a qualitative case study

Since 1967, 18 outbreaks of Marburg virus disease (MVD) have been reported globally, with 722 cases and 325 having detailed clinical data. Ethiopia became the sixth country in five years to confirm an outbreak, reporting eight cases and four deaths. Despite this, little is known about the perceptions, preparedness, and Challenges of health workers and communities toward MVD. This study explored their Perception, readiness, and anticipated challenges in South Omo, Southern Ethiopia. An exploratory qualitative case study was conducted from November 16–23, 2025, in and around Jinka General Hospital and four nearby health centers. Thirteen key informants and three focus groups (27 participants) were purposively selected. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, transcribed, and thematically analyzed with ATLAS.ti 7.1.4. Triangulation, peer debriefing, and participant validation ensured credibility. Ethical approval and written consent were obtained from Mattu University IRB and participants. Five themes emerged: limited awareness, poor logistics, weak preparedness, cultural barriers, and recommended strategies. Shortages of PPE, training gaps, road closures, and fear undermined readiness. Communities underestimated risk and were influenced by cultural and traditional practices. Key challenges included stigma, weak coordination, and poor diagnostic capacity. Participants highlighted continuous training, effective communication, and strong government support as crucial for preparedness. Overall preparedness for MVD was low despite awareness. Strengthening communication, regular training, reliable logistics, and culturally sensitive engagement are vital. Collaborative government–community action is essential to enhance resilience against future outbreaks.