Original Research – Special Collection: African Researchers Publication Capacity Preparedness of healthcare workers for the Ebola outbreak in Mubende and Kassanda districts, Uganda

Patricia E. Nabwami, Jackline M. Nyaberi, Norah N. Monyangi, Noelina Nantima, Joshua Kayiwa, Aggrey G. Mokaya

Journal of Public Health in Africa | Vol 16, No 4 | a1347 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i4.1347 | © 2025 Patricia E. Nabwami, Jackline M. Nyaberi, Norah N. Monyangi, Noelina Nantima, Joshua Kayiwa, Aggrey G. Mokaya | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 27 February 2025 | Published: 29 August 2025

About the author(s) Patricia E. Nabwami, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Graduate School, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Environmental Health and Disease Control, School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya; and Department of Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Jackline M. Nyaberi, Department of Environmental Health and Disease Control, School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya
Norah N. Monyangi, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Graduate School, Nairobi, Kenya; and Department of Public Health and Sanitation, Ministry of Health, Kisumu, Kenya
Noelina Nantima, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Representation in Sudan, Port Sudan, Sudan
Joshua Kayiwa, Department of Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Aggrey G. Mokaya, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Graduate School, Nairobi, Kenya; and Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Effective preparedness is essential to safeguard healthcare workers (HCWs) and strengthen outbreak response. The 2022–2023 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda exposed critical gaps in healthcare preparedness, with HCWs accounting for 13.4% cases and 12.7% deaths.
Aim: The study assessed preparedness of HCWs in public health facilities in Mubende and Kassanda districts, Uganda for EVD containment.
Setting: The study was conducted in 16 public health facilities in districts severely affected by the 2022–2023 EVD outbreak.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2024 and June 2024 among 376 HCWs. Preparedness was assessed based on knowledge, infection prevention and control practices (IPC) practices and attitudes towards EVD containment. Data were collected using self-reported structured questionnaires. Preparedness was determined using median split. Logistic regression analysis was performed in STATA, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess statistical significance.
Results: One hundred and fifteen (30.6%) HCWs met preparedness criteria. A total of 295 HCWs (78.5%) could not correctly don personal protective equipment (PPE), while 258 (68.6%) could not correctly doff PPE. The HCWs with degree or higher had higher odds of being prepared (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.55, 95% CI: 1.26–16.45) compared to those with lower qualifications. Similarly, HCWs with 11–15 years of experience had higher odds of being prepared compared to those with fewer years (aOR: 3.47, 95% CI: 1.12–10.07).
Conclusion: Overall preparedness among HCWs was low. This highlights the need for continuous professional development and routine practical training on PPE use including donning and doffing procedures.
Contribution: Findings provide evidence to guide targeted interventions for improving HCW preparedness for future EVD outbreaks.

Keywords

Ebola Virus Disease; disease outbreaks; viral haemorrhagic fevers; public health preparedness; response; Mubende; Kassanda; Uganda

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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