Submission ID 118460
| Issue/Objective | To explore experiences and barriers to community engagement during the recent Ebola outbreak response in Uganda |
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| Methodology/Approach | This was a qualitative study that employed focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) in 5 affected districts in Uganda. A total of 25 FGDs among community members and community health workers (CHWs), and 32 KIIs (27 at district and 5 at national levels) were conducted. Key informants included Ministry of Health (MOH) and district health officials, local leaders, and non-governmental organisation staff. Thematic analysis was used. |
| Results | Two main themes emerged from the study: (i) Various community engagement interventions implemented during the response; and (ii) impact of community engagement on epidemic control. Different community engagement approaches were used including: community sensitization; community dialogue; survivor testimonies; rumour tracking and community feedback; resource mapping; and translation of public health messages. Community engagement had both positive and negative impact on the response to the epidemic. The positive impact included enhanced awareness creation, case detection, contact tracing, and case management. The negative impact included changes in some desired social norms, as well as increased stigma among survivors. The main barriers to community engagement during the EVD outbreak response were multifaceted, encompassing delayed consultations between partners and communities, poor communication and the spread of misinformation, limited support for human resources, and institutional and coordination challenges. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | The findings can inform priority-setting for future EVD and other outbreak responses, enhancing intervention design and implementation. Specifically, the results can guide the development of community engagement guidelines, ensure sufficient funding, and strengthen community engagement systems at national, district, and community levels. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Edwinah Atusingwize Makerere University School of Public Health Chimwemwe Msukwa UNICEF, Kampala, Uganda Jesse Bonwitt UNICEF, Kampala, Uganda Seungwoo Nam UNICEF, Kampala, Uganda Ann Robins UNICEF, Kampala, Uganda David Musoke Makerere University School of Public Health Edwinah Atusingwize Makerere University School of Public Health Meddy Rutayisire Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda George Upenytho Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda Henry Kyobe Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda Henry Mwebesa Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda |
