Evaluation of response to a cholera outbreak in January 2024 using the 7-1-7 timeliness metrics: a case study of Elegu Point of Entry, Uganda.

BACKGROUND

Cholera is a major public health threat in Uganda, especially in border districts prone to outbreaks from cross-border movement. We investigated and evaluated the initial response to a January 2024 cholera outbreak in Elegu Town, on the Uganda-South Sudan border, using the 7-1-7 timeliness metrics to assess detection, notification, and response capacities, highlighting Uganda's preparedness and challenges in managing cross-border outbreaks.

METHODS

We defined a suspected case as the onset of acute watery diarrhea in an asylum seeker at the Elegu border point from January to February 2024. A confirmed case was a suspected case in which Vibrio cholerae was isolated in the stool by culture or PCR. We actively searched for cases and collected data on person characteristics, symptoms, and outbreak timeliness. We used semi-structured interviews to elicit insights from district health officials on the enabling factors and bottlenecks during the response. We used the 7-1-7 metric to assess detection, notification, and response capacities of the point of entry.

RESULTS

Thirteen members of a refugee family from South Sudan were diagnosed with cholera within 6 h of arrival at the Elegu border, with 4 (31%) confirmed cases. No death occurred. The authorities detected, notified, and responded to the outbreak within the 7-1-7 timelines, with no major bottlenecks identified. The outbreak was detected and notified within one day and by the fifth day, a full response was mounted. The prompt response was attributed to the availability of a functional emergency operations center and the presence of trained surveillance frontline health workers.

CONCLUSION

Response to an imported cholera outbreak at Elegu border point demonstrated Uganda's preparedness in managing cross-border disease outbreaks. Achieving the 7-1-7 targets highlighted the country's-built capacity to detect, notify, and respond to such events. Continued investment in local-level disease detection, communication, and national-level resource mobilization will be crucial to sustaining future effective cross-border outbreak prevention and control strategies.