Community perspectives regarding preparedness, response and prevention of Ebola Virus Disease amidst COVID-19 pandemic, an exploratory descriptive qualitative study using a community Engagement approach (CES) in Mbale city

Abstract Background : Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare and deadly infectious hemorrhagic fever disease. Four of the 6 known Ebola virus species can cause human disease. Since 1976, EVD outbreaks have been recorded sporadically in East, Central, and West Africa. Uganda has experienced 6 documented outbreaks of EVD since 2000 that can be attributed to 3 species of Ebola viruses (Zaire, Sudan, and Bundibugyo). Despite substantial advances in clinical management, the case fatality ratio for EVD remains high, reaching more than 60% for the Zaire Ebola virus in 2018–2020. Methods. The study followed a descriptive qualitative study design. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions. Data were analyzed using ATLAS Pro. Results: Our results illustrate the lack of health education in the community among the different categories of people and this comes from an emic perspective (country). We identified 4 high-level themes and 19 subthemes, (1) Knowledge of Ebola Virus Disease, (2) Prevention of EVD in the community, (3) Preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease and (4) community response to Ebola Virus Disease and the final thematic area (4) which included giving first aid, using traditional medicines, and approaching a health facility among others. Conclusions: With all the available information in relation to the previous outbreaks in Uganda, it is surprising that less effort was made this time round to take local sensibilities and culture into account among other social factors contributing to the poor practices of masses toward the Ebola Virus Disease, preparedness, prevention and response.