Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: To describe the impact of a multilayered Infection prevention and control (IPC) response strategy aimed at rapidly reinforcing IPC measures across health facilities and community locations in eastern Uganda to contain the 2025 Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) Outbreak
METHODS: Between 1st and 30th February 2025, frontline health workers were trained to support activation of the Ebola treatment unit (ETU), ring IPC measures were implemented including community sensitization, disinfection of affected households, and health facility IPC improvements through assessments using the World health organization (WHO)/ Ministry of Health (MoH) adopted ebola virus disease (EVD) scorecard across 15 IPC parameters. This was followed by onsite mentorships to rapidly close IPC gaps, and provision of essential IPC supplies including thermometers, handwashing stations, Soap, and alcohol based handrub to compliment the intervention. The IPC improvements were analysed statistically.
RESULTS: 51 frontline health workers were trained to activate the treatment centre. Through ring IPC activation, 42 clinics, 12 schools, 130 teachers, 1,300 students, 3 churches, 400 worshippers, and 182 households were sensitized. 64 health facilities were assessed, and 822 health workers mentored respectively. The mean facility IPC score was 61% (IQR 47%-75%), with 29% facilities scoring below 50%. 17 health facilities Improved from 54.4; to 73.0; (SD=16.11; p < 0.001). Major gaps were identified in screening and isolation capacity with only 11% having an isolation room alongside widespread PPE shortages.
CONCLUSIONS: The multilayered IPC strategy demonstrated the effectiveness of rapid IPC implementation during an active SVD response. This enhanced practiced and provided insights that may inform policy and advance research.