Girma Birhanu Nurie
Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau, Ethiopia
Abstract Title: Outbreak Investigation of Suspected Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD), Wogera District, North Gondar Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia, October 2017
Biography:
Mr. Girma Birhanu Nurie is an experienced Public Health professional, with 10+ years of expertise in field epidemiology, disease prevention, environmental health, and health program coordination. He has been recognized for leadership in outbreak investigation, surveillance, and emergency preparedness, with a strong background in community health initiatives and clinical research.
Education: - Master of Public Health (MPH) in Field Epidemiology, Addis Ababa University - BSc & Diploma in Environmental Health, University of Gondar & Jimma University
Mr. Girma Birhanu Nurie also holds Certifications & Training in TB control, STI management, leadership development, field epidemiology, and survey coordination. He has interfaced with critical stakeholders and partners, including CDC, WHO, USAID, and Ethiopian health institutions.
Key skills: - Epidemiology, public health emergency preparedness, outbreak response - Health program planning, evaluation, and staff training - Disease surveillance, research, and data analysis - Extensive reporting, stakeholder engagement, and NGO collaboration .
Hobbies: Volunteering, community service, team sports, including playing basketball.
Research Interest:
Introduction: Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD), caused by Vibrio cholera sero-groups, is a significant public health issue primarily affecting populations in developing countries with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Globally, cholera burdens estimate 1.4 to 4.0 million cases and 21,000 to 143,000 deaths annually, with outbreaks occurring in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In Ethiopia, AWD outbreaks have been recurrent, with cases reported in various regions, including Amhara. A study conducted in Wogera District aimed to investigate an AWD outbreak in 2017, where 84 suspected cases were reported with no fatalities. The attack rate was 3% with females and adults being more affected, mainly due to using hand pump water as a primary source.
Methods: The outbreak investigation utilized a descriptive cross-sectional study design from August 15 to August 27, 2017. Data analysis using SPSS identified factors contributing to the outbreak, such as contaminated water sources and limited sanitation facilities. The study population included individuals over 5 years presenting with profuse AWD symptoms. The investigation highlighted the importance of maintaining water quality, providing health education on sanitation, and ensuring continuous surveillance to prevent AWD transmission.
Results: Results showed a distribution of cases across different age groups, with a higher prevalence among adults. Ambagiorgis town had the highest number of cases, mostly among farmers. Clinical manifestations included watery diarrhea and vomiting, with some cases exhibiting dehydration. Analysis of the water sources revealed that 71% used hand pump water, indicating a potential source of contamination.
Recommendations and Outbreak Response: Recommendations included promoting hygiene practices, improving water supply infrastructure, and increasing awareness about food safety. The outbreak response involved a multi-sectorial committee comprising various health organizations to coordinate control measures. Overall, the study emphasized the importance of early intervention, effective outbreak control, and community engagement in reducing the impact of AWD outbreaks.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the investigation in Wogera District shed light on the factors contributing to AWD outbreaks, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts in water and sanitation management, health education, and community involvement to prevent future outbreaks and reduce the burden of AWD in affected regions like Amhara, Ethiopia.