A suspected viral haemorrhagic fever outbreak is underway in Ethiopia's South Ethiopia Region. Authorities are urged to replicate the country's effective COVID-19 response to manage the threat. Swift mobilization, transparent communication, and multisectoral coordination are highlighted as essential measures.
Ethiopia's swift and coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic provides a critical blueprint for managing the suspected viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) outbreak in the South Ethiopia Region. In the early days of the COVID-19 crisis, the country rapidly activated an Emergency Operation Center and established multi-sectoral coordination platforms, enabling real-time data sharing and swift decision-making.
The Ministry of Health expanded laboratory and testing capacity nationwide, increasing the number of diagnostic facilities from one center to dozens within months. This decentralization allowed faster detection and containment, especially outside the capital. The government deployed thousands of rapid response teams that collaborated with communities on screenings, promoting preventive measures like mask-wearing and social distancing, and managing contact tracing. Public health messaging was transparent and consistent, fostering public trust and cooperation. Additionally, clinical care capacities were enhanced by designating treatment centers, procuring oxygen supplies and ventilators, and training healthcare workers in COVID-19 management and infection prevention.
Public-private partnerships were vital, with local industries shifting to produce masks and sanitizers, and private hospitals aiding testing efforts. Higher education institutions offered quarantine facilities and research support. Despite resource constraints, this unified and transparent effort averted the feared catastrophic impact, saving lives and minimizing economic disruption.
These COVID-19 successes highlight key lessons for the VHF outbreak: rapid mobilization, multisectoral coordination, decentralization of testing and care, and open communication. Ethiopia's health authorities, with WHO support, have started deploying specialized teams and equipment for the VHF response, though the challenge is immense. Transparent government leadership is essential—providing regular public updates on the situation, timelines for laboratory results, and clear guidance on preventive behaviors to empower communities and curb misinformation and fear. Protecting healthcare workers with adequate personal protective equipment and training is crucial to prevent nosocomial transmission, a known risk in haemorrhagic fever outbreaks. Sustained investment in health infrastructure, epidemic preparedness, and community engagement—proven pillars during COVID-19—must not be compromised by competing priorities or financial limitations. The VHF threat underscores the ongoing fragility in public health systems. The political will and multisectoral collaboration shown during COVID-19 must be replicated with equal vigor and transparency. Engaging local leaders, civil society, and media will promote community compliance and reinforce trust in government actions. In short, the principles that guided Ethiopia through the COVID-19 emergency—rapid, coordinated response coupled with transparent communication and community partnership—must steer the current VHF response. Every day of delay or opacity risks avoidable transmission, lost lives, and setbacks to hard-won health gains.