“If I die for touching him, let me die”: A Rapid Ethnographic Assessment of Cultural practices and Ebola Transmission in High-risk Boarder Regions of Tanzania

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Abstract Background Ebola is a rare but fatal disease caused by Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Initial Ebola outbreaks were reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) before subsequent spread to Western and East African countries, including Uganda, which borders Tanzania. Proximity to EVD-infected countries raises the prospect of cross-border transmission, raising alarm in Tanzania. This study explored the cultural practices likely to prevent or escalate EVD transmission in the event of its outbreak in the country. Methods This rapid ethnographic assessment employed observation, interviews, and focus group discussions to collect data from people with diverse characteristics. The qualitative data was then subjected to thematic analysis. Findings: Cultural practices may escalate the transmission of EVD and hinder its prevention and control. These cultural practices include patients’ care practices, confirmation of the death, mourning, and body preparation for burial. Communal life, ceremonies, and social gatherings were other aspects observed to have the potential of compounding EVD transmission and hindering its containment in case of an outbreak. Conclusion Cultural practices may escalate EVD transmission as identified in the study settings. As such, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities should be interventionist in transforming cultural practices that may escalate the spread of EVD as part of preparedness, prevention, and control efforts in the event of outbreak.

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