Are we ready for the next anthrax outbreak? Lessons from a simulation exercise in a rural-based district in Uganda.

Anthrax is a bacterial zoonotic disease caused by We qualitatively examined facilitators and barriers to responding to a potential anthrax outbreak using the capability, opportunity, motivation behaviour model (COM-B model) in the high-risk rural district of Namisindwa, in Eastern Uganda. We chose the COM-B model because it provides a systematic approach for selecting evidence-based techniques and approaches for promoting the behavioural prompt response to anthrax outbreaks. Unpacking these facilitators and barriers enables the leaders and community members to understand existing resources and gaps so that they can leverage them for future anthrax outbreaks.

Strengthening anthrax outbreak response and preparedness: simulation and stakeholder education in Namisindwa district, Uganda.

Background: Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis that poses a significant threat to both human health and livestock. Effective preparedness and response to anthrax outbreak at the district level is essential to mitigate the devastating impact of the disease to humans and animals. The current diseaae surveillance in animals and humans uses two different infrastructure systems with online platform supported by established diagnostic facilities.

Barriers and opportunities for improving management of snakebites: Perspectives of healthcare workers in Northern Uganda.

Background: Snakebites are a neglected public health problem that pose a significant burden on affected individuals and communities in many sub-Saharan African countries, including Uganda. However, the barriers and facilitators to snakebite management within healthcare settings are not as well understood and well-documented. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of healthcare workers involved in handling snakebite incidents at individual and health system levels in Arua and Gulu districts in Northern Uganda.

Adherence to malaria treatment guidelines among health care workers in private health facilities in Kampala's informal settlements, Uganda.

Poor adherence to malaria treatment guidelines among healthcare workers (HCWs) is a major contribution to diagnostic challenges, treatment failure, and non-rational use of antimalarial medicines. However, there is limited information about adherence to malaria treatment guidelines among HCWs in private health facilities in informal settlements in Uganda. This study therefore assessed the level of adherence to malaria treatment guidelines and associated factors among HCWs in private health facilities in Kampala's informal settlements.

Healthcare practitioners' knowledge of snakebite management and associated factors in high-burden, low-resource settings in Uganda.

Background: Snakebites cause significant morbidity and mortality in Uganda. Effective management of snakebites requires knowledge of the appropriate first aid measures, as well as knowledge of the appropriate antivenom to use, but little is known about familiarity with effective snakebite management techniques and associated factors among healthcare practitioners (HCPs) in Uganda.

Methods: In May 2022, we collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of snakebite first aid, envenomation signs, diagnosis and antivenom administration among 311 HCPs from two snakebite high-incidence districts in Uganda using a semi-structured questionnaire.

Drivers of cardiovascular disease risk factors in slums in Kampala, Uganda: a qualitative study.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are increasing in many sub-Saharan African countries and disproportionately affecting communities in urban slums. Despite this, the contextual factors that influence CVD risk among slum communities have not been fully documented to guide interventions to prevent and control the disease.

Objective: This study explored the drivers of CVD risk factors in slums in Kampala, Uganda.