Factors affecting multisectoral collaboration response to rift valley fever outbreak in Kongwa district

Abstract

Background: Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral haemorrhagic, viral infection, with fatal effects to animals and human beings as well resulting to significant mortality and economic loss. A strategic approach for effective RVF outbreaks preparedness and response is through combined participatory approach in Multisectoral collaboration. Objectives: The aim to examine factors affecting multi-sectoral collaboration response to Rift Valley Fever outbreak among the District and Ward officials in Kongwa District. Methods and materials: A qualitative study that applied phenomenological approach was conducted among the representatives in the Disaster Management Unit in the Prime Minister’s Office, the Emergency Preparedness and Response section in the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, the Dodoma region, district, ward and farmers’ association representatives in Kongwa district in April, 2013. A total of 15 representatives were purposively recruited in the study, 13 male and 2 female key informants. An interview guide was used to collect data. Purposive sampling was used to select representatives with technical knowhow, knowledge and experience in relation with Rift Valley Fever outbreak. Interview transcripts were subjected to thematic content analysis. Results: This study examined several factors facilitating weak and uncoordinated multisectoral collaboration to include lack of emergency funds, inadequate resources, lack of awareness of health and vertinary departments on the existing plans and guidelines on Rift Valley Fever. Lack of sectoral recognition and poor preparedness and response infrastructure in Tanzania. Conclusion: The study findings indicate several challenges limiting multisectoral collaboration in Kongwa district. Nevertheless, the zoonotic nature of RVF calls for a multisectoral collaboration in disease surveillance, detection, reporting and timely response. Keywords: Rift Valley Fever, Response, Multisectoral collaboration, outbreak, Kongwa