Assessment of health care workers preparedness to epidemics: A case of Ebola virus disease preparedness in private hospitals in Kampala, Uganda

Collins Ankunda; Stuart Martin Kanyesigye; Susan Nakubulwa; Brendah Kyomuhangi; Jakob Cramer; Enrique Chacon-Cruz; Sue Ann Costa Clemens; Ralf Clemens

doi:10.3855/jidc.17642

Assessment of health care workers preparedness to epidemics: A case of Ebola virus disease preparedness in private hospitals in Kampala, Uganda

Authors

Collins Ankunda Mildmay Research Centre Uganda, Entebbe Rd, Naziba Hill, Kampala, Uganda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2130-4014
Stuart Martin Kanyesigye Divencha Systems, Nakawa, Kampala, Uganda https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2775-0632
Susan Nakubulwa Mildmay Research Centre Uganda, Entebbe Rd, Naziba Hill, Kampala, Uganda
Brendah Kyomuhangi Le Memorial Medical Services, Kigo Rd, Kampala, Uganda
Jakob Cramer Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness (CEPI), London, United Kingdom
Enrique Chacon-Cruz Institute for Global Health, University of Siena, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2466-4920
Sue Ann Costa Clemens Institute for Global Health, University of Siena, Italy
Ralf Clemens International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul, Republic of Korea

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.17642

Keywords:

Ebola virus disease, epidemic preparedness, ebola vaccine, healthcare workers

Abstract

Introduction: Unrecognized Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) can lead to multiple chains of transmissions if the first caretakers are not trained and prepared. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers (HCWs) preparedness in private hospitals located in Kampala, to detect, respond and prevent EVD.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among HCWs in direct clinical care provision in four private hospitals, and in one Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) using a self-administered questionnaire from March to June 2020.

Results: 222 HCWs agreed to participate aged from 19 to 64 years and with 6 months to 38 years of practice where most were nurses (44%). 3/5 hospitals did not have written protocols on EVD case management, and only one (ETU) had an exclusive emergency team. 59% were not sure whether contact tracing was taking place. Private hospitals were not included in EVD trainings organized by the Ministry of Health (MoH). In addition, HCWs in private hospitals were not empowered by the MoH to take part in EVD case management. Despite these shortcomings, only 66% of HCWs showed an interest to be immunized. Knowledge about potential Ebola vaccines was generally poor.

Conclusions: In Kampala, Uganda, establishment of a more comprehensive preparedness and response strategy for EVD outbreaks is imperative for HCWs in private facilities, including a wide vaccination educational program on Ebola vaccination. The findings from this study if addressed will likely improve the preparedness and management of future Ebola outbreaks in Uganda.

Author Biographies

Collins Ankunda, Mildmay Research Centre Uganda, Entebbe Rd, Naziba Hill, Kampala, Uganda

Clinical Research Fellow, Mildmay Research Centre Uganda, Mildmay Uganda Kampala, Uganda.

Former Masters in Vaccinology Student, Institute for Global Health, University of Siena, Italy.

Stuart Martin Kanyesigye, Divencha Systems, Nakawa, Kampala, Uganda

Statistician and data analysis Officer

Susan Nakubulwa, Mildmay Research Centre Uganda, Entebbe Rd, Naziba Hill, Kampala, Uganda

Research Assocaite

Brendah Kyomuhangi, Le Memorial Medical Services, Kigo Rd, Kampala, Uganda

Nursing Officer-Midwifery

Jakob Cramer, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness (CEPI), London, United Kingdom

Head of clincal Development

Sue Ann Costa Clemens, Institute for Global Health, University of Siena, Italy

Founder and the Program Director of Master Program in Vaccinology and Drug development at the University of Siena; Director of Vaccine Group Oxford-Brazil, Professor in Global Health at Oxford University; and Professor and Head of Clinical Department at Instituto Carlos Chagas in Brazil.

Ralf Clemens, International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul, Republic of Korea

Member of the Board of Trustees

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Published

2024-04-30

How to Cite

Ankunda C, Kanyesigye SM, Nakubulwa S, Kyomuhangi B, Cramer J, Chacon-Cruz E, Clemens SAC, Clemens R (2024) Assessment of health care workers preparedness to epidemics: A case of Ebola virus disease preparedness in private hospitals in Kampala, Uganda. J Infect Dev Ctries 18:556–564. doi: 10.3855/jidc.17642

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Issue

Vol. 18 No. 04: April 2024

Section

Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2024 Collins Ankunda, Mr. Stuart Martin Kanyesigye, Ms. Susan Nakubulwa, Ms. Brendah Kyomuhangi, Dr. Jakob Cramer, Dr. Enrique Chacon-Cruz, Prof. Dr. Sue Ann Costa Clemens, Prof. Dr. Ralf Clemens

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