Qualitative insights on emergency preparedness and response to marburg virus disease in Ghana: The role of risk communication and community engagement.

OBJECTIVES

Faith-based healthcare providers have played pivotal roles in recent public health responses to disease outbreaks, such as Ebola, COVID-19, and Marburg Virus Disease. However, the literature on their performance remains scarce. This research therefore evaluates the risk communication and community engagement capacity of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) during the Marburg Disease Virus outbreak in Ghana.

METHOD: Data were obtained from 15 clinical and nonclinical health workers affiliated with CHAG and the Ghana Health Service (GHS). Online interviews were conducted to assess the coordination of risk communication and community engagement during Marburg Virus outbreak in Ghana. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis.

FINDINGS: Active engagement of national-level stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, was observed. Outreach activities encompassing surveillance and contact tracing were also executed. However, resource constraints led to passive involvement of frontline workers in stakeholder meetings and risk communication activities, posing a limitation to the Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) effort.

CONCLUSION

To address health system vulnerabilities and misinformation in low-resourced countries during health emergencies, a bottom-up approach is vital. This approach will enhance the capacity of communities, professionals, NGOs, and media to counter infodemics and disinformation. Government and healthcare facility owners must ensure robust logistical and policy preparations to effectively equip healthcare facilities for future disease outbreaks.