Browsing by Author "Mwebesa, Henry"

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    Barriers to community engagement during the response to an Ebola virus disease outbreak in Uganda
    (BMJ Publishing Group, 2025-03) Musoke, David;; Atusingwize, Edwinah;; Robins, Ann ;; Nam, Seungwoo;; Bonwitt, Jesse;; Msukwa, Chimwemwe;; Rutayisire, Meddy;; Upenytho, George;; Kyobe, Henry;; Mwebesa, Henry
    Uganda reported an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in 2022. As part of the outbreak response, government and partners promoted community engagement, which seeks to involve communities in the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions to raise awareness, build trust between communities and partners and create ownership of interventions. This study, therefore, explored barriers to community engagement during the 2022-2023 EVD outbreak response in Uganda.BACKGROUNDUganda reported an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in 2022. As part of the outbreak response, government and partners promoted community engagement, which seeks to involve communities in the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions to raise awareness, build trust between communities and partners and create ownership of interventions. This study, therefore, explored barriers to community engagement during the 2022-2023 EVD outbreak response in Uganda.This qualitative study, conducted in five districts (Kampala, Kassanda, Kyegegwa, Mubende and Wakiso), involved 25 focus group discussions among community members and community health workers (CHWs). In addition, 32 key informant interviews were conducted with staff from the Uganda Ministry of Health, district health officials, local leaders, non-governmental organisation staff and other stakeholders. Data were analysed according to the thematic approach using ATLAS.ti (V.6).METHODSThis qualitative study, conducted in five districts (Kampala, Kassanda, Kyegegwa, Mubende and Wakiso), involved 25 focus group discussions among community members and community health workers (CHWs). In addition, 32 key informant interviews were conducted with staff from the Uganda Ministry of Health, district health officials, local leaders, non-governmental organisation staff and other stakeholders. Data were analysed according to the thematic approach using ATLAS.ti (V.6).The main barriers to community engagement identified during the EVD outbreak response are presented under four main themes: (1) delayed consultations between partners and communities; (2) poor communication and misinformation; (3) limited support to human resources; and (4) institutional and coordination challenges. Specifically, these barriers included: limited consultation due to misbelief in community roles; delayed sociocultural discussions; stigma and delayed psychosocial interventions; misinformation, rumours and political influence; poor communication mechanisms; contradictory messages and lack of transparency; language barrier and inappropriate communication media; work overload for CHWs and other community volunteers; failure to prioritise protection of community workers; lack of compensation for CHWs and other community personnel; poor logistical management; inadequate coordination and partner operations; unfavourable institutional structures; and limited funding for emergencies.RESULTSThe main barriers to community engagement identified during the EVD outbreak response are presented under four main themes: (1) delayed consultations between partners and communities; (2) poor communication and misinformation; (3) limited support to human resources; and (4) institutional and coordination challenges. Specifically, these barriers included: limited consultation due to misbelief in community roles; delayed sociocultural discussions; stigma and delayed psychosocial interventions; misinformation, rumours and political influence; poor communication mechanisms; contradictory messages and lack of transparency; language barrier and inappropriate communication media; work overload for CHWs and other community volunteers; failure to prioritise protection of community workers; lack of compensation for CHWs and other community personnel; poor logistical management; inadequate coordination and partner operations; unfavourable institutional structures; and limited funding for emergencies.The barriers encountered in community engagement during the 2022-2023 EVD outbreak need to be addressed through strengthening guidelines and standard operating procedures, capacity building for partners and communities, as well as adequate financing to ensure Uganda is better prepared for future health emergencies.CONCLUSIONThe barriers encountered in community engagement during the 2022-2023 EVD outbreak need to be addressed through strengthening guidelines and standard operating procedures, capacity building for partners and communities, as well as adequate financing to ensure Uganda is better prepared for future health emergencies.
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    Continental concerted efforts to control the seventh outbreak of Ebola Virus disease in Uganda: The first 90 days of the response
    (Journal of public health in Africa, 2023-10-24) Aceng, Jane Ruth; Bosa, Henry Kyobe; Atwine, Diana; Mwebesa, Henry; Kagirita, Atek; Ouma, Ahmed Ogwell
    On 20th September 2022, Uganda declared the 7th outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) caused by the Sudan Ebola strain following the confirmation of a case admitted at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. Upon confirmation, the Government of Uganda immediately activated the national incident management system to initiate response activities. Additionally, a multi-country emergency stakeholder meeting was held in Kampala; convening Ministers of Health from neighbouring Member States to undertake cross-border preparedness and response actions. The outbreak spanned 69 days and recorded 164 cases (142 confirmed, 22 probable), 87 recoveries and 77 deaths (case fatality ratio of 47%). Nine out of 136 districts were affected with transmission taking place in 5 districts but spilling over in 4 districts without secondary transmission. As part of the response, the Government galvanised robust community mobilisation and initiated assessment of medical counter measures including therapeutics, new diagnostics and vaccines. This paper highlights the response actions that contributed to the containment of this outbreak in addition to the challenges faced with a special focus on key recommendations for better control of future outbreaks.
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    Efficacy of convalescent plasma for treatment of COVID-19 in Uganda
    (BMJ Open Resp Res, 2021) Kirenga, Bruce; Byakika-Kibwika, Pauline; Muttamba, Winters; Kayongo, Alex; Namakula, Olive Loryndah,; Mugenyi, Levicatus; Kiwanuka, Noah; Lusiba, John; Atukunda, Angella; Mugume, Raymond; Ssali, Francis; Ddungu, Henry; Katagira, Winceslaus; Sekibira, Rogers; Kityo, Cissy; Kyeyune, Dorothy; Acana, Susan; Aanyu-Tukamuhebwa, Hellen; Kabweru, Wilberforce; Nakwagala, Fred; Sentalo Bagaya, Bernard; Kimuli, Ivan; Nantanda, Rebecca; Buregyeya, Esther; Byarugaba, Baterana; Olaro, Charles; Mwebesa, Henry; Lutaakome Joloba, Moses; Siddharthan, Trishul; Bazeyo, William
    Convalescent plasma (CCP) has been studied as a potential therapy for COVID-19, but data on its efficacy in Africa are limited. Objective In this trial we set out to determine the efficacy of CCP for treatment of COVID-19 in Uganda. Measurements Patients with a positive SARS-CoV- 2 reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR test irrespective of disease severity were hospitalized and randomized to receive either COVID-19 CCP plus standard of care (SOC) or SOC alone. The primary outcome was time to viral clearance, defined as having two consecutive RT-PCR- negative tests by day 28. Secondary outcomes included time to symptom resolution, clinical status on the modified WHO Ordinal Clinical Scale (≥1-point increase), progression to severe/ critical condition (defined as oxygen saturation <93% or needing oxygen), mortality and safety.
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    Estimating the Effect and Cost-Effectiveness of Facemasks in Reducing the Spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome- Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Uganda
    (medRxiv., 2020) Nannyonga, Betty K.; Wanyenze, Rhoda K.; Kaleebu, Pontiano; Ssenkusu, John M.; Lutalo, Tom; Makumbi, Fredrick Edward; Kwizera, Arthur; Byakika, Pauline; Kirungi, Willford; Bosa, Henry Kyobe; Ssembatya, Vincent A.; Mwebesa, Henry; Atwine, Diana; Aceng, Jane Ruth; Woldermariam, Yonas Tegegn
    Evidence that face masks provide effective protection against respiratory infections in the community is scarce. However, face masks are widely used by health workers as part of droplet precautions when caring for patients with respiratory infections. It would therefore be reasonable to suggest that consistent widespread use of face masks in the community could prevent further spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this study we examine public face mask wearing in Uganda where a proportion wears masks to protect against acquiring, and the other to prevent from transmitting SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this study was to determine what percentage of the population would have to wear face masks to reduce susceptibility to and infectivity of SARS-COV-2 in Uganda, keeping the basic reproduction number below unity and/or flattening the curve. We used an SEIAQRD model for the analysis. Results show that implementation of facemasks has a relatively large impact on the size of the coronavirus epidemic in Uganda. We find that the critical mask adherence is 5 per 100 when 80% wear face masks. A cost-effective analysis shows that utilizing funds to provide 1 public mask to the population has a per capita compounded cost of USD 1.34. If provision of face masks is done simultaneously with supportive care, the per capita compounded cost is USD 1.965, while for the case of only treatment and no provision of face masks costs each Ugandan USD 4.0579. We conclude that since it is hard to achieve a 100% adherence to face masks, government might consider provision of face masks in conjunction with provision of care.
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    Estimating the Effect and Cost-Effectiveness of Facemasks in Reducing the Spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome- Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Uganda
    (CC-BY-ND 4.0 International license ., 2020) Nannyonga, Betty K.; Wanyenze, Rhoda K.; Kaleebu, Pontiano; Ssenkusu, John M.; Lutalo, Tom; Makumbi, Fredrick Edward; Kwizera, Arthur; Byakika, Pauline; Kirungi, Willford; Kyobe Bosa, Henry; Ssembatya, Vincent A.; Mwebesa, Henry; Atwine, Diana; Aceng, Jane Ruth; Woldermariamç, Yonas Tegegn
    Evidence that face masks provide effective protection against respiratory infections in the community is scarce. However, face masks are widely used by health workers as part of droplet precautions when caring for patients with respiratory infections. It would therefore be reasonable to suggest that consistent widespread use of face masks in the community could prevent further spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV- 2). In this study we examine public face mask wearing in Uganda where a proportion wears masks to protect against acquiring, and the other to prevent from transmitting SARSCoV- 2. The objective of this study was to determine what percentage of the population would have to wear face masks to reduce susceptibility to and infectivity of SARS-COV-2 in Uganda, keeping the basic reproduction number below unity and/or flattening the curve. We used an SEIAQRD model for the analysis
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    Feasibility of collecting and processing of COVID-19 convalescent plasma for treatment of COVID-19 in Uganda
    (PLoS ONE, 2021) Muttamba, Winters; Lusiba, John; Namakula, Loryndah Olive; Byakika-Kibwika, Pauline; Ssali, Francis; Ddungu, Henry; Mugenyi, Levicatus; Kiwanuka, Noah; Sekibira, Rogers; Kityo, Cissy; Keyune, Dorothy; Acana, Susan; Musinguzi, Ambrose; Masasi, Ayub; Byamugisha, Joseph; Mpanju, David; Musoki, Walter Jack; Tukamuhebwa, Hellen Aanyu; Nakwagala, Fred; Sentalo Bagaya, Bernard; Kayongo, Alex; Kimuli, Ivan; Nantanda, Rebecca; Katagira, Winceslaus; Buregyeya, Esther; Byanyima, Rosemary; Byarugaba, Baterana; Siddharthan, Trishul; Mwebesa, Henry; Charles, Olaro; Lutaakome Joloba, Moses; Bazeyo, William; Kirenga, Bruce
    Evidence that supports the use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) for treatment of COVID-19 is increasingly emerging. However, very few African countries have undertaken the collection and processing of CCP. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of collecting and processing of CCP, in preparation for a randomized clinical trial of CCP for treatment of COVID-19 in Uganda. Methods In a cross-sectional study, persons with documented evidence of recovery from COVID-19 in Uganda were contacted and screened for blood donation via telephone calls. Those found eligible were asked to come to the blood donation centre for further screening and consent. Whole blood collection was undertaken from which plasma was processed. Plasma was tested for transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) and anti-SARS CoV-2 antibody titers. SARS-CoV-2 testing was also done on nasopharyngeal swabs from the donors.
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    Infodemic: How an Epidemic of Misinformation Could Lead to a High Number of the Novel Corona Virus Disease Cases in Uganda
    (Preprints, 2020) Nannyonga, Betty K.; Wanyeze, Rhoda K.; Kaleebu, Pontiano; Ssenkusu, John M.; Ssengooba, Freddie; Lutalo, Tom; Kirungi, Willford; Makumbi, Fredrick Edward; Bosa, Henry Kyobe; Ssembatya, Vincent A.; Mwebesa, Henry; Atwine, Diana; Aceng, Jane Ruth; Woldermariam, Yonas Tegegn
    Misinformation during the COVID-19 outbreak has shaped our perception of the disease. Some people thinkthe disease is a bioweapon while others are convinced that it is a hoax. Heightened anxiety often producesfearful rumors, some of which are absurd while others seem plausible and are laced with some truths. But, how does misinformation affect disease spread? In this paper, we construct a mathematical model parameterized by Ugandan data, to study the effect of misinformation on community COVID-19 spread. The analysis shows that misinformation leads to high number of COVID-19 cases in a community, and the effect is highest in the rumour initiators and spreaders. This analysis underscores the importance of addressing misinformation in COVID risk communication.