Role of Community Health Workers in early detection, reporting and response to infectious disease outbreaks: Experience from Marburg Outbreak Management in Kagera region, Northwestern Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Community health workers (CHWs) are involved in different segments of health promotion and surveillance systems to control the outbreak that occurred in March 2023. CHW initially detected and reported deaths of unknown causes through an established community electronic event-based surveillance. Later, it was confirmed to be MVD; until the end of the outbreak, a total of nine people were confirmed with Marburg viruses, and six of them died, making a case fatality rate of 66.7%.

Involvement of Community Health Workers in Response to Marburg Virus Disease: CHWs from the high-risk areas were oriented to the disease and appropriate control measures. They were guided on the necessary precautions to ensure their safety while working and equipped with infection protection equipment. CHWs were in a frontline position to support the mobilization of community members, awareness creation, provision of public health education, and psychosocial support. Reached the community members by visiting households, public places, schools, and worship places. They received monetary remuneration to commit outstanding time to the outbreak control efforts.

Conclusion: The lesson learnt is that trained CHWs adequately equipped with working tools, protective equipment and remuneration can contribute substantially to outbreak detection and response initiatives. We advocate for their involvement in future outbreak preparedness and response because of their centric position in communities where traditional outbreaks start. Recommend adopting policy and practice strategies that promote their integration and recognition by health systems as a paid cadre to sustain and enhance their efficiency.