A Tool to Monitor Multi-Sectoral Response Activities During Outbreaks of Cholera in Sudan

Abstract

Background: Very little has been reported on assessments of outbreak response activities undertaken in affected areas. There were no indicators to monitor the performance of the implemented multi-sectoral interventions.

Objective: To provide a rapid and reliable interim assessment of the implemented control measures so that professionals and decision-makers modify and improve their response strategies in management of recurring outbreaks of cholera before, during and after their occurrence.

Material and Methods: Guided with the ten pillars supported by the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC), two sets of indicators were developed to assess Key Performance Indicators (KPI) of multi-sectoral response activities during the outbreak and resilience of health system in Gadarif during the outbreak. The KPIs were extracted from WHO publications, published reports in peer-reviewed medical journals.

Results: A group of experts in Gadarif State were satisfied with the performance of the MOH in implementing six out of ten pillars of cholera control: Leadership, coordination, planning and monitoring; Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE); Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)’; laboratory diagnostics and testing; Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and case management. They gave low scores for activities related to surveillance and out- break investigation, operation support and logistics, continuity of essential health and social services (or resilience) and vaccination. The scores for the five elements of resilience of health and medical services during the outbreak were quite low.

Conclusion: The assessment tool highlighted strengths and weaknesses in the outbreak control activities. The tool could be used for rapid assessments to monitor the performance of different interventions throughout the course of the outbreak, and to strengthen preparedness.