1
|
Khazaee-Pool M, Pashaei T, Ponnet K. Social innovation in health and community-driven engagement as a key strategy for addressing COVID-19 crisis challenges: insights and reflections from the multicultural society of Iran. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1174385. [PMID: 37346112 PMCID: PMC10279867 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1174385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Social innovation is one of the strategies for appealing to people and encouraging social cooperation and engagement in interventions during crisis periods. In this regard, community engagement is an operative and innovative community health approach for achieving successful health outcomes. There is limited information about the role and operational impact of social innovation on community engagement during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis. In this study, we aim to contribute to the understanding of innovative social strategies to attract social participation in crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic by highlighting the experience of social innovative strategies based on community-driven engagement in Iran. Methods This qualitative study was conducted in seven provinces of Iran-Mazandaran, Zanjan, Golestan, Lorestan, Tehran, Kurdistan, and Khuzestan-from 4 September 2021 to 1 March 2022. A sample of Iranians (15-71 years) was selected by purposeful and snowball sampling methods to participate in the study, and 187 semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. Participants were recruited from three levels of the community: community leaders, healthcare providers, and laypeople. The data collection tool was an interview guide, which was designed based on a review of the literature. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Exploratory analyses were performed to identify social innovative strategies based on community engagement used during the COVID-19 crisis in Iran. The interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Results Based on our findings, we distilled innovative strategies into 6 main themes and 37 categories: (1) information giving/sharing, (2) consultation, (3) involvement/collaboration, (4) health education and prevention, (5) empowering, and (6) advocacy. The results revealed that the participants were very driven to engage in the management and control of the COVID-19 crisis, even though they faced significant challenges. Conclusion The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic required social- and community-based responses. These reactions increased the possibility of fair access to health services, especially for vulnerable groups and minorities. As with other epidemics, applying the experience of the comprehensive participation of communities played an important and active role in the prevention and control of COVID-19. In this regard, giving and sharing information, consultation, involvement/collaboration, health education/prevention, empowerment, and advocacy are the most important innovative strategies that might encourage the community to perform COVID-19 crisis management and control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Khazaee-Pool
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Health, Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Tahereh Pashaei
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Koen Ponnet
- Department of Communication Sciences, imec-mict-Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cénat JM, Broussard C, Darius WP, Onesi O, Auguste E, El Aouame AM, Ukwu G, Khodabocus SN, Labelle PR, Dalexis RD. Social mobilization, education, and prevention of the Ebola virus disease: A scoping review. Prev Med 2023; 166:107328. [PMID: 36356934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) remains a global public health concern with multiple outbreaks over the last five years. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the current state of knowledge on awareness, education, and community mobilization programs on EVD prevention. A comprehensive search strategy was executed in October 2021 across eight databases (APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, Global Health, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science). According to the PRISMA flow diagram, out of the 4815 studies generated by the search, 33 were retained for extraction and were included in this scoping review. Findings revealed that cultural practices that increased the risk of Ebola transmission remain very prevalent, even educational and awareness campaigns. Levels of Ebola-related knowledge by community members varied widely. A large proportion of the Ebola-affected populations were not aware of modes of transmission and half were unaware of signs and symptoms. Interventions with deep community mobilization, collaboration and engagement were effective in changing cultural practices, and reducing rates of infection. Interventions in the health sector helped increase willingness to practice preventive methods and the maintenance of social distancing and patient handwashing. A majority of the population members received their information about EVD from the community and mass media (in most instances, through broadcasting stations). Community interventions with a collaborative approach are effective to prevent EVD. It is needed to build trust between communities and health care, but also to use local resources and cultural factors combined with the use of technologies of information to prevent EVD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jude Mary Cénat
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; University of Ottawa Research Chair on Black Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | | | - Olivia Onesi
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Gloria Ukwu
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Rose Darly Dalexis
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Frimpong SO, Paintsil E. Community engagement in Ebola outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa and implications for COVID-19 control: A scoping review. Int J Infect Dis 2023; 126:182-192. [PMID: 36462575 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is a paucity of scoping data on the specific roles community engagement played in preventing and managing the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the role, benefits, and mechanisms of community engagement to understand its effect on EVD case detection, survival, and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The implications for COVID-19 prevention and control were also highlighted. METHODS We searched for articles between 2010 and 2020 in the MEDLINE and Embase databases. The study types included were randomized trials, quasiexperimental studies, observational studies, case series, and reports. RESULTS A total of 903 records were identified for screening. A total of 216 articles met the review criteria, 103 were initially selected, and 44 were included in the final review. Our findings show that effective community involvement during the EVD outbreak depended on the survival rates, testimonials of survivors, risk perception, and the inclusion of community leaders. Community-based interventions improved knowledge and attitudes, case findings, isolation efforts, and treatment uptake. CONCLUSION Although the studies included in this review were of highly variable quality, findings from this review may provide lessons for the role of community engagement in the COVID-19 pandemic's prevention and control in sub-Saharan Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shadrack Osei Frimpong
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA.
| | - Elijah Paintsil
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA; School of Management, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mulenga-Cilundika P, Ekofo J, Kabanga C, Criel B, Van Damme W, Chenge F. Indirect Effects of Ebola Virus Disease Epidemics on Health Systems in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia: A Scoping Review Supplemented with Expert Interviews. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13113. [PMID: 36293703 PMCID: PMC9602680 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemics have been extensively documented and have received large scientific and public attention since 1976. Until July 2022, 16 countries worldwide had reported at least one case of EVD, resulting in 43 epidemics. Most of the epidemics occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but the largest epidemic occurred from 2014-2016 in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia in West Africa. The indirect effects of EVD epidemics on these countries' health systems, i.e., the consequences beyond infected patients and deaths immediately related to EVD, can be significant. The objective of this review was to map and measure the indirect effects of the EVD epidemics on the health systems of DRC, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia and, from thereon, draw lessons for strengthening their resilience vis-à-vis future EVD outbreaks and other similar health emergencies. A scoping review of published articles from the PubMed database and gray literature was conducted. It was supplemented by interviews with experts. Eighty-six articles were included in this review. The results were structured based on WHO's six building blocks of a health system. During the EVD outbreaks, several healthcare services and activities were disrupted. A significant decline in indicators of curative care utilization, immunization levels and disease control activities was noticeable. Shortages of health personnel, poor health data management, insufficient funding and shortages of essential drugs characterized the epidemics that occurred in the above-mentioned countries. The public health authorities had virtually lost their leadership in the management of an EVD response. Governance was characterized by the development of a range of new initiatives to ensure adequate response. The results of this review highlight the need for countries to invest in and strengthen their health systems, through the continuous reinforcement of the building blocks, even if there is no imminent risk of an epidemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Mulenga-Cilundika
- Centre de Connaissances en Santé en République Démocratique du Congo, Kinshasa 3088, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi 1825, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Joel Ekofo
- Centre de Connaissances en Santé en République Démocratique du Congo, Kinshasa 3088, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Chrispin Kabanga
- Centre de Connaissances en Santé en République Démocratique du Congo, Kinshasa 3088, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Bart Criel
- Centre de Connaissances en Santé en République Démocratique du Congo, Kinshasa 3088, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Van Damme
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Faustin Chenge
- Centre de Connaissances en Santé en République Démocratique du Congo, Kinshasa 3088, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi 1825, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ha BTT, Ngoc Quang L, Quoc Thanh P, Duc DM, Mirzoev T, Bui TMA. Community engagement in the prevention and control of COVID-19: Insights from Vietnam. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254432. [PMID: 34495962 PMCID: PMC8425553 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Community engagement (CE) is an effective public health strategy for improving health outcomes. There is limited published knowledge about effective approaches to CE in ensuring effective responses to COVID-19 throughout lockdowns, travel restrictions and social distancing. In this paper, we contribute to bridging this gap by highlighting experience of CE in Vietnam, specifically focusing on migrant workers in Vietnam. Methods A cross-sectional qualitative study design was used with qualitative data collection was carried out during August-October 2020. Two districts were purposefully selected from two large industrial zones. Data was collected using in-depth interviews (n = 36) with individuals and households, migrants and owners of dormitories, industrial zone factory representatives, community representatives and health authorities. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis approach. The study received ethics approval from the Hanoi University Institutional Review Board. Results The government’s response to COVID-19 was spearheaded by the multi-sectoral National Steering Committee for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19, chaired by the Vice Prime Minister and comprised different members from 23 ministries. This structure was replicated throughout the province and local levels and all public and private organizations. Different activities were carried out by local communities, following four key principles of infection control: early detection, isolation, quarantine and hospitalization. We found three key determinants of engagement of migrant workers with COVID-19 prevention and control: availability of resources, appropriate capacity strengthening, transparent and continuous communication and a sense of trust in government legitimacy. Discussion and conclusion Our results support the current literature on CE in infection control which highlights the importance of context and suggests that future CE should consider five key components: multi-sectoral collaboration with a whole-of-community approach to strengthen governance structures with context-specific partnerships; mobilization of resources and decentralization of decision making to encourage self-reliance and building of local capacity; capacity building through training and supervision to local institutions; transparent and clear communication of health risks and sensitization of local communities to improve compliance and foster trust in the government measures; and understanding the urgent needs ensuring of social security and engaging all parts of the community, specifically the vulnerable groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bui Thi Thu Ha
- Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | | | - Tolib Mirzoev
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Earle-Richardson G, Erlach E, Walz V, Baggio O, Kurnit M, Camara CA, Craig C, Dios LR, Yee D, Soke GN, Voahary I, Prue CE. New Mixed Methods Approach for Monitoring Community Perceptions of Ebola and Response Efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. GLOBAL HEALTH: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021; 9:332-343. [PMID: 34234025 PMCID: PMC8324202 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The Red Cross community feedback system enabled rapid collection and analysis of extensive verbal feedback during an Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC. Using this information, Ebola response leaders adapted strategies to address community concerns. In an epidemic, community feedback is critical to ensure that response strategies are accepted and appropriate. Background: Efforts to contain the spread of Ebola in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the 2018–2020 epidemic faced challenges in gaining community trust and participation. This affected implementation of community alerts, early isolation, contact tracing, vaccination, and safe and dignified burials. To quickly understand community perspectives and improve community engagement, collaborators from the DRC Red Cross, the International Federation of the Red Cross, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explored a new method of collecting, coding, and quickly analyzing community feedback. Methods: Over 800 DRC Red Cross local volunteers recorded unstructured, free-text questions and comments from community members during community Ebola awareness activities. Comments were coded and analyzed using a text-coding system developed by the collaborators. Coded comments were then aggregated and qualitatively grouped into major themes, and time trends were examined. Results: Communities reported a lack of information about the outbreak and the response, as well as concerns about the Ebola vaccination program and health care quality. Some doubted that Ebola was real. The response used the feedback to revise some community engagement approaches. For example, 2 procedural changes that were followed by drops in negative community responses were: using transparent body bags, which allayed fears that bodies or organs were being stolen, and widening the eligibility criteria for Ebola vaccination, which addressed concerns that selectively vaccinating individuals within Ebola-affected communities was unfair. Discussion: This system is unique in that unstructured feedback collected by local volunteers in the course of their work was rapidly coded, analyzed, and given to health authorities for use in making course corrections throughout the response. It provides a platform for local voices to be heard throughout an emergency response and provides a mechanism for assessing the effects of program adjustments on community sentiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Erlach
- International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vivienne Walz
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ombretta Baggio
- International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Molly Kurnit
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Christina Craig
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lucia Robles Dios
- International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Daiva Yee
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Ialijaona Voahary
- International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Khorram-Manesh A, Dulebenets MA, Goniewicz K. Implementing Public Health Strategies-The Need for Educational Initiatives: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5888. [PMID: 34070882 PMCID: PMC8198884 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the absence of a specific treatment or vaccines, public health strategies are the main measures to use in the initial stages of a pandemic to allow surveillance of infectious diseases. During the ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), several countries initiated various public health strategies, such as contact tracing and quarantine. The present study aims to conduct a systematic literature review to identify the presence of educational initiatives that promote the implementation of public health strategies before public health emergencies, with a special focus on contact tracing applications. Using Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Gothenburg University search engines, all published scientific articles were included, while conference, reports, and non-scientific papers were excluded. The outcomes of the reviewed studies indicate that the effective implementation of public health strategies depends on the peoples' willingness to participate and collaborate with local authorities. Several factors may influence such willingness, of which ethical, psychological, and practical factors seem to be the most important and frequently discussed. Moreover, individual willingness and readiness of a community may also vary based on the acquired level of knowledge about the incident and its cause and available management options. Educational initiatives, proper communication, and timely information at the community level were found to be the necessary steps to counteract misinformation and to promote a successful implementation of public health strategies and attenuate the effects of a pandemic. The systematic review conducted as a part of this study would benefit the relevant stakeholders and policy makers and assist with effective designing and implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Khorram-Manesh
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Development and Research, Armed Forces Center for Defense Medicine, Gothenburg, 426 76 Västra Frölunda, Sweden
| | - Maxim A. Dulebenets
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Florida A&M University-Florida State University (FAMU-FSU), 2525 Pottsdamer Street, Building A, Suite A124, Tallahassee, FL 32310-6046, USA;
| | - Krzysztof Goniewicz
- Department of Aviation Security, Military University of Aviation, 08521 Deblin, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Building the Sierra Leone Ebola Database: organization and characteristics of data systematically collected during 2014-2015 Ebola epidemic. Ann Epidemiol 2021; 60:35-44. [PMID: 33965545 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2021.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE During the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and responding partners under the coordination of the National Ebola Response Center (NERC) and the MoHS's Emergency Operation Center (EOC) systematically recorded information from the 117 Call Center system and district alert phone lines, case investigations, laboratory sample testing, clinical management, and safe and dignified burial records. Since 2017, CDC assisted MoHS in building and managing the Sierra Leone Ebola Database (SLED) to consolidate these major data sources. The primary objectives of the project were helping families to identify the location of graves of their loved ones who died at the time of the Ebola epidemic through the SLED Family Reunification Program and creating a data source for epidemiological research. The objective of this paper is to describe the process of consolidating epidemic records into a useful and accessible data collection and to summarize data characteristics, strength, and limitations of this unique information source for public health research. METHODS Because of the unprecedented conditions during the epidemic, most of the records collected from responding organizations required extensive processing before they could be used as a data source for research or the humanitarian purpose of locating burial sites. This process required understanding how the data were collected and used during the outbreak. To manage the complexity of processing the data obtained from various sources, the Sierra Leone Ebola Database (SLED) Team used an organizational strategy that allowed tracking of the data provenance and lifecycle. RESULTS The SLED project brought raw data into one consolidated data collection. It provides researchers with secure and ethical access to the SLED data and serves as a basis for the research capacity building in Sierra Leone. The SLED Family Reunification Program allowed Sierra Leonean families to identify location of the graves of loved ones who died during the Ebola epidemic. CONCLUSIONS The SLED project consolidated and utilized epidemic data recorded during the Sierra Leone Ebola Virus Disease outbreak that were collected and contributed to SLED by national and international organizations. This project has provided a foundation for developing a method of ethical and secure SLED data access while preserving the host nation's data ownership. SLED serves as a data source for the SLED Family Reunification Program and for epidemiological research. It presents an opportunity for building research capacity in Sierra Leone and provides a foundation for developing a relational database. Large outbreak data systems such as SLED provide a unique opportunity for researchers to improve responses to epidemics and indicate the need to include data management preparedness in the plans for emergency response.
Collapse
|
9
|
Warsame A, Murray J, Gimma A, Checchi F. The practice of evaluating epidemic response in humanitarian and low-income settings: a systematic review. BMC Med 2020; 18:315. [PMID: 33138813 PMCID: PMC7606030 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01767-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemics of infectious disease occur frequently in low-income and humanitarian settings and pose a serious threat to populations. However, relatively little is known about responses to these epidemics. Robust evaluations can generate evidence on response efforts and inform future improvements. This systematic review aimed to (i) identify epidemics reported in low-income and crisis settings, (ii) determine the frequency with which evaluations of responses to these epidemics were conducted, (iii) describe the main typologies of evaluations undertaken and (iv) identify key gaps and strengths of recent evaluation practice. METHODS Reported epidemics were extracted from the following sources: World Health Organization Disease Outbreak News (WHO DON), UNICEF Cholera platform, Reliefweb, PROMED and Global Incidence Map. A systematic review for evaluation reports was conducted using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, Web of Science, WPRIM, Reliefweb, PDQ Evidence and CINAHL Plus databases, complemented by grey literature searches using Google and Google Scholar. Evaluation records were quality-scored and linked to epidemics based on time and place. The time period for the review was 2010-2019. RESULTS A total of 429 epidemics were identified, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. A total of 15,424 potential evaluations records were screened, 699 assessed for eligibility and 132 included for narrative synthesis. Only one tenth of epidemics had a corresponding response evaluation. Overall, there was wide variability in the quality, content as well as in the disease coverage of evaluation reports. CONCLUSION The current state of evaluations of responses to these epidemics reveals large gaps in coverage and quality and bears important implications for health equity and accountability to affected populations. The limited availability of epidemic response evaluations prevents improvements to future public health response. The diversity of emphasis and methods of available evaluations limits comparison across responses and time. In order to improve future response and save lives, there is a pressing need to develop a standardized and practical approach as well as governance arrangements to ensure the systematic conduct of epidemic response evaluations in low-income and crisis settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdihamid Warsame
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Jillian Murray
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Amy Gimma
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Francesco Checchi
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gilmore B, Ndejjo R, Tchetchia A, de Claro V, Mago E, Diallo AA, Lopes C, Bhattacharyya S. Community engagement for COVID-19 prevention and control: a rapid evidence synthesis. BMJ Glob Health 2020. [PMID: 33051285 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh‐2020‐003188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community engagement has been considered a fundamental component of past outbreaks, such as Ebola. However, there is concern over the lack of involvement of communities and 'bottom-up' approaches used within COVID-19 responses thus far. Identifying how community engagement approaches have been used in past epidemics may support more robust implementation within the COVID-19 response. METHODOLOGY A rapid evidence review was conducted to identify how community engagement is used for infectious disease prevention and control during epidemics. Three databases were searched in addition to extensive snowballing for grey literature. Previous epidemics were limited to Ebola, Zika, SARS, Middle East respiratory syndromeand H1N1 since 2000. No restrictions were applied to study design or language. RESULTS From 1112 references identified, 32 articles met our inclusion criteria, which detail 37 initiatives. Six main community engagement actors were identified: local leaders, community and faith-based organisations, community groups, health facility committees, individuals and key stakeholders. These worked on different functions: designing and planning, community entry and trust building, social and behaviour change communication, risk communication, surveillance and tracing, and logistics and administration. CONCLUSION COVID-19's global presence and social transmission pathways require social and community responses. This may be particularly important to reach marginalised populations and to support equity-informed responses. Aligning previous community engagement experience with current COVID-19 community-based strategy recommendations highlights how communities can play important and active roles in prevention and control. Countries worldwide are encouraged to assess existing community engagement structures and use community engagement approaches to support contextually specific, acceptable and appropriate COVID-19 prevention and control measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brynne Gilmore
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS), School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rawlance Ndejjo
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Adalbert Tchetchia
- Expanded Programme on Immunization, Ministry of Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Elizabeth Mago
- Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alpha A Diallo
- République de Guinée Ministère de Santé, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Claudia Lopes
- United Nations University International Institute for Global Health, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sanghita Bhattacharyya
- Public Health Foundation of India, Haryana, India.,Community Health-Community of Practice Collectivity, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Headquarters, New York City, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gilmore B, Ndejjo R, Tchetchia A, de Claro V, Mago E, Diallo AA, Lopes C, Bhattacharyya S. Community engagement for COVID-19 prevention and control: a rapid evidence synthesis. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:e003188. [PMID: 33051285 PMCID: PMC7554411 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community engagement has been considered a fundamental component of past outbreaks, such as Ebola. However, there is concern over the lack of involvement of communities and 'bottom-up' approaches used within COVID-19 responses thus far. Identifying how community engagement approaches have been used in past epidemics may support more robust implementation within the COVID-19 response. METHODOLOGY A rapid evidence review was conducted to identify how community engagement is used for infectious disease prevention and control during epidemics. Three databases were searched in addition to extensive snowballing for grey literature. Previous epidemics were limited to Ebola, Zika, SARS, Middle East respiratory syndromeand H1N1 since 2000. No restrictions were applied to study design or language. RESULTS From 1112 references identified, 32 articles met our inclusion criteria, which detail 37 initiatives. Six main community engagement actors were identified: local leaders, community and faith-based organisations, community groups, health facility committees, individuals and key stakeholders. These worked on different functions: designing and planning, community entry and trust building, social and behaviour change communication, risk communication, surveillance and tracing, and logistics and administration. CONCLUSION COVID-19's global presence and social transmission pathways require social and community responses. This may be particularly important to reach marginalised populations and to support equity-informed responses. Aligning previous community engagement experience with current COVID-19 community-based strategy recommendations highlights how communities can play important and active roles in prevention and control. Countries worldwide are encouraged to assess existing community engagement structures and use community engagement approaches to support contextually specific, acceptable and appropriate COVID-19 prevention and control measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brynne Gilmore
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS), School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rawlance Ndejjo
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Adalbert Tchetchia
- Expanded Programme on Immunization, Ministry of Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Elizabeth Mago
- Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alpha A Diallo
- République de Guinée Ministère de Santé, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Claudia Lopes
- United Nations University International Institute for Global Health, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sanghita Bhattacharyya
- Public Health Foundation of India, Haryana, India
- Community Health-Community of Practice Collectivity, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Headquarters, New York City, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Community response to the Ebola outbreak: Contribution of community-based organisations and community leaders in four health districts in Guinea. Glob Public Health 2020; 15:1767-1777. [PMID: 32673146 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1789194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The major challenges in controlling the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Guinea were contact tracing, referral of suspected cases, secure burial and mistrust in the context of a weak health system. Community involvement and uptake of key interventions were very low, contributing to the spread of the epidemic. A community engagement project, using community based organisations (CBOs) and community leaders, was implemented in four affected health districts in rural Guinea. This paper reports on the contribution of the CBOs and community leaders in controlling the EVD outbreak. Base-, mid- and end - line assessments were conducted using a mixed methods approach. In total, 422 CBOs members, 50 community leaders and 40 village birth attendants were engaged in social mobilisation, awareness raising, reaching 154,310 people and leading to the end of reluctance and mistrust. Thus, 95 suspected cases were referred to health facilities, contact tracing and secure burial increased from 88.0% to 96.6% and from 67% to 95.4%, respectively, and institutional deliveries increased from 637 to 806. Involvement of CBOs and community leaders against the EVD outbreak is an effective resource that should also be considered to better respond to possible large-scale epidemic threats in a fragile health system context.
Collapse
|
13
|
Oyeniran OI, Chia T. Fighting the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic: Employing lessons from the Ebola virus disease response. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 15:100558. [PMID: 32837995 PMCID: PMC7332950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemep.2020.100558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a beta-coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that affects the lower respiratory tract and appears as pneumonia in humans. COVID-19 became apparent in December 2019 in Wuhan City of China, and has propagated profusely globally. Despite stringent global quarantine and containment drives, the incidence of COVID-19 keeps soaring high. Measures to minimize human-to-human transmission have been implemented to control the pandemic. However, special efforts to reduce transmission via efficient public health communications and dissemination of risks should be applied in susceptible populations including children, health care providers, and the elderly. In response to this global pandemic, this article summarizes proven strategies that could be employed to combat the COVID-19 disease outbreak, taking a cue from lessons learned from the Ebola virus disease response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O I Oyeniran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - T Chia
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kihembo C, Masiira B, Nakiire L, Katushabe E, Natseri N, Nabukenya I, Komakech I, Okot CL, Adatu F, Makumbi I, Nanyunja M, Woldetsadik SF, Tusiime P, Nsubuga P, Fall IS, Wondimagegnehu A. The design and implementation of the re-vitalised integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) in Uganda, 2013-2016. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:879. [PMID: 30005613 PMCID: PMC6045850 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5755-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uganda adopted and has been implementing the Integrated Disease Surveillance (IDSR) strategy since 2000. The goal was to build the country's capacity to detect, report promptly, and effectively respond to public health emergencies and priorities. The considerable investment into the program startup realised significant IDSR core performance. However, due to un-sustained funding from the mid-2000s onwards, these achievements were undermined. Following the adoption of the revised World Health Organization guidelines on IDSR, the Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) in collaboration with key partners decided to revitalise IDSR and operationalise the updated IDSR guidelines in 2012. METHODS Through the review of both published and unpublished national guidelines, reports and other IDSR program records in addition to an interview of key informants, we describe the design and process of IDSR revitalisation in Uganda, 2013-2016. The program aimed to enhance the districts' capacity to promptly detect, assess and effectively respond to public health emergencies. RESULTS Through a cascaded, targeted skill-development training model, 7785 participants were trained in IDSR between 2015 and 2016. Of these, 5489(71%) were facility-based multi-disciplinary health workers, 1107 (14%) comprised the district rapid response teams and 1188 (15%) constituted the district task forces. This training was complemented by other courses for regional teams in addition to the provision of logistics to support IDSR activities. Centrally, IDSR implementation was coordinated and monitored by the MoH's national task force (NTF) on epidemics and emergencies. The NTF and in close collaboration with the WHO Country Office, mobilised resources from various partners and development initiatives. At regional and district levels, the technical and political leadership were mobilised and engaged in monitoring and overseeing program implementation. CONCLUSION The IDSR re-vitalization in Uganda highlights unique features that can be considered by other countries that would wish to strengthen their IDSR programs. Through a coordinated partner response, the program harnessed resources which primarily were not earmarked for IDSR to strengthen the program nation-wide. Engagement of the local district leadership helped promote ownership, foster accountability and sustainability of the program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Kihembo
- Epidemiology and Surveillance Division, Ministry of Health, P.O BOX 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ben Masiira
- Epidemiology and Surveillance Division, Ministry of Health, P.O BOX 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lydia Nakiire
- Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Ministry of Health, P.O BOX 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edson Katushabe
- World Health Organization, Uganda Country Office, P.O BOX 24578 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nasan Natseri
- World Health Organization, Uganda Country Office, P.O BOX 24578 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Immaculate Nabukenya
- Epidemiology and Surveillance Division, Ministry of Health, P.O BOX 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Innocent Komakech
- World Health Organization, Uganda Country Office, P.O BOX 24578 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Lukoya Okot
- World Health Organization, Uganda Country Office, P.O BOX 24578 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Francis Adatu
- Epidemiology and Surveillance Division, Ministry of Health, P.O BOX 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Issa Makumbi
- Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Ministry of Health, P.O BOX 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Miriam Nanyunja
- World Health Organization, Uganda Country Office, P.O BOX 24578 Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Patrick Tusiime
- National Disease Control, Ministry of Health, P.O BOX 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter Nsubuga
- Global Public Health Solutions LLC, Atlanta, GA 30326 USA
| | - Ibrahima Soce Fall
- World Health Organization, Africa Regional Office, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Oluwagbemi O, Awe O. A comparative computational genomics of Ebola Virus Disease strains: In-silico Insight for Ebola control. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
|
16
|
Houlihan CF, Youkee D, Brown CS. Novel surveillance methods for the control of Ebola virus disease. Int Health 2017; 9:139-141. [PMID: 28582554 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihx010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The unprecedented scale of the 2013-2016 West African Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak was in a large part due to failings in surveillance: contacts of confirmed cases were not systematically identified, monitored and diagnosed early, and new cases appearing in previously unaffected communities were similarly not rapidly identified, diagnosed and isolated. Over the course of this epidemic, traditional surveillance methods were strengthened and novel methods introduced. The wealth of experience gained, and the systems introduced in West Africa, should be used in future EVD outbreaks, as well as for other communicable diseases in the region and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C F Houlihan
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,University College London, London, UK
| | - D Youkee
- King´s Sierra Leone Partnership, King's Centre for Global Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - C S Brown
- King´s Sierra Leone Partnership, King's Centre for Global Health, King's College London, London, UK.,National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|