Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Delays in mobilizing outbreak response financing can hinder surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, and case management during Ebola outbreaks. While substantial investments have been made in epidemic preparedness across Africa, limited evidence exists on the economic value of ensuring rapid access to outbreak response funds. This study evaluated the health and economic impact of rapid-disbursement financing compared with delayed financing during Ebola outbreak response in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
METHODS: A decision-analytic model was developed from the public health system perspective to compare two financing scenarios: rapid-disbursement financing, defined as release of response funds within 15 days of outbreak confirmation, and delayed financing, defined as release of funds after 45-60 days. Model inputs were informed by published Ebola outbreak reports, response financing documents, and peer-reviewed literature from Uganda, the DRC, and comparable settings. Costs included surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention and control, risk communication, and outbreak coordination. Outcomes included Ebola cases, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and total outbreak response costs. One-way sensitivity analyses explored uncertainty in financing timelines, transmission rates, and response effectiveness.
RESULTS: Preliminary model findings suggest that rapid-disbursement financing enables earlier implementation of outbreak control measures, resulting in fewer Ebola cases and deaths compared with delayed financing. Earlier access to funds was associated with reduced outbreak duration and lower overall response costs due to avoided transmission and treatment expenditures. Results were most sensitive to assumptions regarding financing delays and the effectiveness of early containment interventions.
CONCLUSIONS: The speed of financing may be a critical determinant of outbreak outcomes. Rapid-disbursement financing mechanisms have the potential to improve health outcomes, reduce economic losses, and strengthen health system resilience during Ebola outbreaks in Uganda and the DRC. Investments in pre-arranged outbreak financing should be considered an integral component of epidemic preparedness strategies