In the heart of Kyotera district, in Southern Uganda a shadow of tragedy, Anthrax descended upon Enos Mugisha’s household in late November 2023. His once-thriving livestock faced a worrying threat, with mysterious deaths claiming his dog and a prized cow. His herdsman, Daniel Kamuntu and his son were left with life threatening situations.
Little did he know that this would be the catalyst for a community-wide battle against the deadly anthrax disease. Like many community members in Kyotera, Mugisha, a prominent livestock farmer and community leader, initially grappled with the community’s perception that attributed the deaths to witchcraft.
However, a turning point came when the International Federation of the Red Cross & Red Crescent Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) extended its support to the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS). These funds became the lifeline for community sensitization efforts, aimed at dispelling myths surrounding anthrax and altering long-held beliefs.
the mobilization to engage traditional healers and patients held in shrines. This initiative
forms a crucial part of interventions designed to dispel myths, alter perceptions, and
promote behavioral change as integral components of anthrax prevention and control at
the grassroots level.
The severity of the anthrax infection became apparent as Mugisha recounts the harrowing experiences of individuals displaying itchy rashes, swelling, and skin lesions.
Mugisha, having lost his livestock and witnessing the life-threatening situations faced by his herdsman and son, emphasized the urgency of URCS’s community based interventions. With the collaboration of the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), and other partners, the URCS embarked on an extensive awareness campaign. “Those affected displayed a range of symptoms, such as an itchy rash, swelling, and skin lesions. The severity of the infection was evident as individuals could succumb to the disease within one to two days,” notes Mugisha.
The community sensitization efforts proved pivotal in breaking the shackles of misinformation. Mugisha himself became a testament to the impact, recognizing the signs and symptoms when his herdsman and son exhibited similar alarming conditions. Timely intervention and awareness saved their lives, highlighting the crucial role of risk communication in combating anthrax.
Irene Nakasiita, the Director of Communication, Resource Mobilization and Partnerships, expressed gratitude to the IFRC-DREF for funding that enabled the URCS to implement community-based interventions. These interventions, including public sensitizations and door-to-door community engagements, aim at educating people on staying safe and preventing the spread of anthrax, and have played a significant role in the community’s resilience.
Reflecting on recent engagements with farmers like Mugisha, Nakasiita acknowledged the pressing need for additional measures, particularly in the proper disposal of carcasses. Farmers emphasized this crucial but yet missing aspect, leading Nakasiita to commit on behalf of URCS, to generate a comprehensive report for the IFRC-DREF partners to address this specific concern.
Dr. Joseph Kasumba, the Operations Manager for URCS anthrax response, provided guidance
on the proper disposal of carcasses, emphasizing the need for a standard burial depth to prevent bacterial exposure. However, he notes that some communities, due to limited resources, have been burying carcasses in shallower ditches of only 3 feet deep. “This practice is dangerous because it leaves the bacteria exposed, potentially leading to a resurgence of the same issue in the foreseeable future,” warns Kasumba.
While acknowledging that incineration would be the best practice, he acknowledges its cost implications. Nonetheless, he reassures that ongoing interventions will continue to educate communities on safe and effective local methods for carcass disposal.
Despite resource limitations, ongoing interventions aim to educate communities on safe and effective methods for carcass disposal at community level.
The anthrax outbreak in Kyotera district, officially confirmed in late November 2023, was traced back to a farm in Kyamayembe Sub-County, where individuals consumed the meat of a deceased cow.
The collaborative efforts of the Kyotera district surveillance team, the Uganda Virus Research Institute, and the Ministry of Health’s national task force declared the anthrax outbreak a disaster, preventing a potential regional spread.
Kyotera district, situated at the southern border of central Uganda, posed a significant risk of regional transmission, given its proximity to Tanzania. The swift and coordinated response by the Uganda Red Cross Society, government agencies, and partners prevented further cases and potential regional escalation.