Challenges and facilitators for the implementation of safe and dignified burials during Ebola and Marburg virus disease outbreaks: A scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aims to map and synthesize the evidence on key challenges, facilitators, and recommendations related to the implementation and community acceptance of safe and dignified burials (SDBs) during outbreaks of Ebola disease (EBOD) or Marburg virus disease (MVD).

INTRODUCTION

SDBs are a critical public health intervention designed to reduce post-mortem transmission of EBOD and MVD-two contagious and often fatal diseases-while upholding cultural and religious practices. Despite their importance, challenges to implementation and acceptance have been documented, which may limit community uptake and operational effectiveness.

INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will include original studies, peer-reviewed commentaries, and government, humanitarian, or international organization reports discussing challenges, facilitators, or recommendations related to SDB implementation or community acceptance. Sources published before 2014 or written in languages other than English or French will be excluded.

METHODS

Searches will be conducted in Medline (Ovid), Web of Science, JSTOR, Global Health (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), and Social Sciences Abstracts (Ovid). Grey literature will be retrieved from key government and organization websites. Titles, abstracts, and full texts will be independently screened by two reviewers, and data will be extracted using a standardized tool. Data will be presented through a narrative summary and in tables.