Every Lesson Counts: Circulating Polio Virus Outbreak Response After Action Review

The African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), in collaboration with the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Oromia Regional Health Bureau, has launched an After-Action Review (AAR) of the response to the circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. The review, which will be conducted from August 19 to 22, 2026, aims to assess the effectiveness of the outbreak response, document lessons learned, capture best practices, and identify areas for improvement to strengthen future response to polio outbreaks.

The four-day review has brought together a broad range of stakeholders from the national, regional, zonal, woreda, and community levels. Participants include representatives from the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Regional Health Bureaus, local health authorities, partners, surveillance officers, communication experts, logisticians, immunization experts, frontline health workers, and community representatives. The diverse participation is providing a valuable opportunity to examine the outbreak response from multiple perspectives and across all levels of the health system.

Through a structured and participatory process, participants are reflecting on the planning, implementation, and coordination of key response activities. Discussions focus on surveillance and case investigation, laboratory support, supplementary immunization activities, risk communication and community engagement, coordination mechanisms, logistics and supply management, and resource mobilization. The review highlights achievements and innovative practices that contributed to the response while also identifying operational challenges and gaps that can inform future interventions.

The ongoing After-Action Review serves as an important platform for collective learning, accountability, and continuous improvement. Upon completion, the findings and recommendations generated through the review will guide efforts to eradicate polio in the country.