Day 2 of the Ebola Active Case Search in Uganda: Strengthening Surveillance and Community Engagement

The second day of the active case-finding initiative commenced with a debriefing session at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), led by Mr. Kadobera Daniel. Teams shared their experiences from the previous day, highlighting challenges and strategizing for enhanced efficiency in the days ahead.

One key challenge identified was the inadequate documentation of patients’ signs and symptoms in outpatient registers at health facilities. This gap hindered effective case tracing. Additionally, the lack of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) at many health facilities was noted. In response, Mr. Daniel assured the teams that he would coordinate with the risk communication team to distribute IEC materials and expand the list of targeted facilities to include non-admitting centers.

As the teams moved into the field, one group arrived at the buffer zone near Saidinah Hospital, where they engaged with boda boda riders and local onlookers observing a disinfection team. By interacting with the community, the team gained insights into public perceptions of EVD and mapped additional health facilities to visit. Adopting a snowball approach, they expanded their search by leveraging information from initial facility visits.

Beyond reviewing medical records, the teams actively engaged with patients and healthcare workers while strictly adhering to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. Their efforts provided crucial data on suspected cases, ensuring no potential cases were missed.

Meanwhile, the team at Mulago Hospital conducted an extensive review of patient records, retrieving files for suspected cases requiring further investigation. Compared to day one, the case-finding efforts on day two were more productive, with more facilities visited and several suspected cases identified for follow-up.

At the end of the day, the public health officers reconvened at PHEOC, eager to analyze their findings and refine their strategies for day three. Their commitment underscores the importance of active surveillance in curbing the spread of EVD and safeguarding public health.