Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement responses to viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks: A mixed-method evaluation of information management practices for Safe and Dignified Burials.

BACKGROUND: Ebola and Marburg are viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) with pronounced epidemic potential. Safe and Dignified Burials (SDBs) are a key pillar of humanitarian responses to VHF outbreaks, with Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) National Societies often supporting implementation. The SDB information management (IM) toolkit is a collection of tools and templates that provides guidance for SDB IM across the RCRC Movement. OBJECTIVE: To identify lessons learned from the implementation of the SDB IM toolkit and the broader approach to SDB IM in the RCRC Movement, focusing on acceptability, simplicity, and flexibility. METHODS: A sequential mixed-method study design was used, with preliminary findings from key informant interviews guiding development of a subsequent online survey. Procedures for SDB data collection, analysis, and reporting were reviewed, along with how these outputs informed operational decision-making. RESULTS: Eight interviews and 208 survey responses were analyzed. Acceptability of SDB IM was generally high, though uneven awareness of the SDB IM toolkit and gaps in communicating the strategic value of SDB IM limited broader uptake. Simplicity was viewed favorably, with clearly established workflows and a phased approach to implementation; however, overly detailed guidance documents, limited IM-specific training and insufficient opportunities for hands-on data collection undermined ease of implementation. Flexibility was evident across outbreak settings, though limited analysis and reporting capacity within some National Societies reduced operational adaptability. CONCLUSION: While gaps remain, this evaluation highlights the role of SDB IM in supporting data-informed VHF outbreak responses. Strengthening coordination, increasing awareness, expanding IM capacity and supporting greater local ownership may further enhance readiness for future responses.