Assessment of the level of Mpox preparedness in the Littoral health districts (Cameroon): Strengthening preparedness through 'One Health' community interventions
1
Department of Public Health, Edea District Health, Edea, Cameroon
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3106
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The global Mpox outbreak highlighted the critical need for public health emergency preparedness. This study assessed the preparedness of health districts in Cameroon's Littoral region for a potential Mpox epidemic to identify strengths, weaknesses, and priority interventions.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2024 across 17 health districts. An evaluation grid, based on the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) technical guide, was administered to district management teams. Data were analyzed using Excel 2016.
RESULTS:
The overall level of preparedness in the region was limited. Significant disparities were found between districts, with scores ranging from 0.16 (Nkondjock) to 3.21 (Newbell). Only 2 districts (11%) had a "good" level of preparedness, while 5 (29%) were "insufficiently" prepared. Epidemiological surveillance was the strongest dimension (average preparedness), whereas case management was the weakest (insufficient preparedness). Key barriers included the absence of a Mpox response plan, inadequate financial and material resources, insufficient laboratory diagnostic capacity, lack of clinical management protocols, and no risk communication plan.
CONCLUSIONS:
Health districts in the Littoral region are inadequately prepared for a Mpox outbreak. To prevent a potential epidemic, it is essential to strengthen district capabilities in response coordination, case management, risk communication, and prevention/control measures. A differentiated approach that accounts for the disparities between districts is recommended for effective improvement.
The global Mpox outbreak highlighted the critical need for public health emergency preparedness. This study assessed the preparedness of health districts in Cameroon's Littoral region for a potential Mpox epidemic to identify strengths, weaknesses, and priority interventions.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2024 across 17 health districts. An evaluation grid, based on the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) technical guide, was administered to district management teams. Data were analyzed using Excel 2016.
RESULTS:
The overall level of preparedness in the region was limited. Significant disparities were found between districts, with scores ranging from 0.16 (Nkondjock) to 3.21 (Newbell). Only 2 districts (11%) had a "good" level of preparedness, while 5 (29%) were "insufficiently" prepared. Epidemiological surveillance was the strongest dimension (average preparedness), whereas case management was the weakest (insufficient preparedness). Key barriers included the absence of a Mpox response plan, inadequate financial and material resources, insufficient laboratory diagnostic capacity, lack of clinical management protocols, and no risk communication plan.
CONCLUSIONS:
Health districts in the Littoral region are inadequately prepared for a Mpox outbreak. To prevent a potential epidemic, it is essential to strengthen district capabilities in response coordination, case management, risk communication, and prevention/control measures. A differentiated approach that accounts for the disparities between districts is recommended for effective improvement.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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