Yaregal Fufa, Tsion A Desalegn, Negash Abera, Abel Getu, Yonas A Tufa, Yeshambel W Demlie, Ammar Barba, Mesgana Befekadu, Moti Edosa, Anteneh D Aliyu, Zerihun D Doffana, Ermias Wolde, Yoseph Nigussie Feleke, Melkamu M Mengesha, Dessalegn Ajema, Muluneh G Garedew, Temesgen Kabeta Chala, Tolera H Wakjira, Tigist Belete, Fekadu Adugna, Nebiyu Dereje, Raji Tajudeen, Melkamu Abte
{"title":"Anthrax outbreak surveillance and response in Arba Minch, Ethiopia: After-action review.","authors":"Yaregal Fufa, Tsion A Desalegn, Negash Abera, Abel Getu, Yonas A Tufa, Yeshambel W Demlie, Ammar Barba, Mesgana Befekadu, Moti Edosa, Anteneh D Aliyu, Zerihun D Doffana, Ermias Wolde, Yoseph Nigussie Feleke, Melkamu M Mengesha, Dessalegn Ajema, Muluneh G Garedew, Temesgen Kabeta Chala, Tolera H Wakjira, Tigist Belete, Fekadu Adugna, Nebiyu Dereje, Raji Tajudeen, Melkamu Abte","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1293","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Anthrax is a serious infectious disease affecting animals and humans and remains a public health issue in developing countries.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study assessed the overall anthrax outbreak response and identified strengths, challenges, and best practices during surveillance, preparedness, and response in Ethiopia from May 2022 to July 2022.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Conducted in Arba Minch Town, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An after-action review (AAR) using qualitative methods was performed. Experts included clinicians, public health professionals, and government officials were involved in the outbreak response. Data were collected via focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and observations, recorded digitally. Thematic analysis was used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Strong stakeholder engagement and coordination were evident, with mass vaccinations aiding control. However, gaps included unprepared logistics, poor communication, and insufficient training. Despite anthrax being immediately notifiable, weaknesses in surveillance detection and reporting were found. Coordination was effective with intersectoral collaboration and commitment, leading to a commendable, lifesaving response once initiated.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study revealed effective engagement and coordination but identified gaps in preparedness and communication. Addressing these through capacity-building and stronger preparedness is crucial for future outbreak management.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provides valuable evidence-based insights to improve health preparedness and response in the African context.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"1293"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8000,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12421464/pdf/","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1293","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2025/1/1 0:00:00","PubModel":"eCollection","JCR":"Q4","JCRName":"PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Anthrax is a serious infectious disease affecting animals and humans and remains a public health issue in developing countries.
Aim: This study assessed the overall anthrax outbreak response and identified strengths, challenges, and best practices during surveillance, preparedness, and response in Ethiopia from May 2022 to July 2022.
Setting: Conducted in Arba Minch Town, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.
Methods: An after-action review (AAR) using qualitative methods was performed. Experts included clinicians, public health professionals, and government officials were involved in the outbreak response. Data were collected via focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and observations, recorded digitally. Thematic analysis was used.
Results: Strong stakeholder engagement and coordination were evident, with mass vaccinations aiding control. However, gaps included unprepared logistics, poor communication, and insufficient training. Despite anthrax being immediately notifiable, weaknesses in surveillance detection and reporting were found. Coordination was effective with intersectoral collaboration and commitment, leading to a commendable, lifesaving response once initiated.
Conclusion: The study revealed effective engagement and coordination but identified gaps in preparedness and communication. Addressing these through capacity-building and stronger preparedness is crucial for future outbreak management.
Contribution: This study provides valuable evidence-based insights to improve health preparedness and response in the African context.
期刊介绍：
The Journal of Public Health in Africa (JPHiA) is a peer-reviewed, academic journal that focuses on health issues in the African continent. The journal editors seek high quality original articles on public health related issues, reviews, comments and more. The aim of the journal is to move public health discourse from the background to the forefront. The success of Africa’s struggle against disease depends on public health approaches.
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