Abstract

Background: Amudat district in Uganda registered a first suspected anthrax case on December 28, 2023 from Kakworobu village and a surge of cases between January and February 2024. Anthrax outbreak was confirmed on March 15, 2024 and Ministry of Health dispatched a multidisciplinary national rapid response team on June 12, 2024, to support the response. We set out to assess the capacity of Amudat district to collect and refer samples as well as obtain results on time.

Method: We conducted a laboratory capacity assessment for selected two health laboratories using the WHO laboratory assessment tool. The key aspects assessed included human resource, sample management, bio risk management, partner and stakeholder and/or partner engagement.

Results: The assessment was done in health laboratories of Amudat hospital and Karita HCIV. Laboratory capacity to respond to anthrax outbreaks was at an average of 51%. The average indicator scores for Amudat Hospital and Karita HCIV laboratories was 54% and 47%, respectively. Biorisk management had the lowest score (0%) for both laboratories. Despite having adequate logistics for the outbreak investigation, the district, the time of assessment did not have a laboratory preparedness and response plan, sample referral register, 13% (2/15) competent laboratory workforce to collect and refer samples. We observed a TAT of 10 days from sample collection to result return.

Conclusion: The district capacity to collect and refer samples during the anthrax outbreak response was suboptimal. These is need to develop laboratory leadership competency to enhance district capacity to collect and refer samples as well as obtain results on time.