Original Research

Anthrax outbreak surveillance and response in Arba Minch, Ethiopia: After-action review

Yaregal Fufa, Tsion A. Desalegn, Negash Abera, Abel Getu, Yonas A. Tufa, Yeshambel W. Demlie, Ammar Barba, Mesgana Befekadu, Moti Edosa, Anteneh D. Aliyu, Zerihun D. Doffana, Ermias Wolde, Yoseph Nigussie Feleke, Melkamu M. Mengesha, Dessalegn Ajema, Muluneh G. Garedew, Temesgen Kabeta Chala, Tolera H. Wakjira, Tigist Belete, Fekadu Adugna, Nebiyu Dereje, Raji Tajudeen, Melkamu Abte
Journal of Public Health in Africa | Vol 16, No 1 | a1293 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1293 | © 2025 Yaregal Fufa, Tsion A. Desalegn, Negash Abera, Abel Getu, Yonas A. Tufa, Yeshambel W. Demlie, Ammar Barba, Mesgana Befekadu, Moti Edosa, Anteneh D. Aliyu, Zerihun D. Doffana, Ermias Wolde, Yoseph Nigussie Feleke, Melkamu M. Mengesha, et al. | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 29 January 2025 | Published: 07 August 2025

About the author(s)

Yaregal Fufa, Center of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tsion A. Desalegn, Center of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Negash Abera, Center of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Abel Getu, Center of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Yonas A. Tufa, Center of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Yeshambel W. Demlie, Center of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ammar Barba, Center of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Mesgana Befekadu, Center of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Moti Edosa, Center of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Anteneh D. Aliyu, Departments of Population and Family Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
Zerihun D. Doffana, Department of Environmental Anthropology, Development and Conservation, Ethiopian Civil Service University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ermias Wolde, Department of Knowledge Translation, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Yoseph Nigussie Feleke, Center of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Melkamu M. Mengesha, School of Public Health, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
Dessalegn Ajema, School of Public Health, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
Muluneh G. Garedew, Department of Health Policy and Management, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
Temesgen Kabeta Chala, Department of Health Policy and Management, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
Tolera H. Wakjira, Department of Health Policy and Management, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
Tigist Belete, Center of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fekadu Adugna, EPR Cluster, World Health Organization, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Nebiyu Dereje, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Raji Tajudeen, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Melkamu Abte, Center of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract


Background: Anthrax is a serious infectious disease affecting animals and humans and remains a public health issue in developing countries.


Aim: This study assessed the overall anthrax outbreak response and identified strengths, challenges, and best practices during surveillance, preparedness, and response in Ethiopia from May 2022 to July 2022.


Setting: Conducted in Arba Minch Town, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.


Methods: An after-action review (AAR) using qualitative methods was performed. Experts included clinicians, public health professionals, and government officials were involved in the outbreak response. Data were collected via focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and observations, recorded digitally. Thematic analysis was used.


Results: Strong stakeholder engagement and coordination were evident, with mass vaccinations aiding control. However, gaps included unprepared logistics, poor communication, and insufficient training. Despite anthrax being immediately notifiable, weaknesses in surveillance detection and reporting were found. Coordination was effective with intersectoral collaboration and commitment, leading to a commendable, lifesaving response once initiated.


Conclusion: The study revealed effective engagement and coordination but identified gaps in preparedness and communication. Addressing these through capacity-building and stronger preparedness is crucial for future outbreak management.


Contribution: This study provides valuable evidence-based insights to improve health preparedness and response in the African context.



Keywords

Anthrax outbreak; surveillance; response; preparedness; after-action review; outbreak response; public health

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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