Ebola Crisis in West Africa - Emergency Humanitarian Assistance - WHO 2015

August 2015 - On August 8 2014 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa a public health emergency of international concern. To date a total of over 27 800 confirmed EVD cases have been reported in Guinea Liberia and Sierra Leone with 11 281 deaths. The outbreak has been unprecedented in terms of its scale geographic reach humanitarian impact as well as its social and economic repercussions. Although the number of new cases has decreased substantially since their peak in late 2014 a sustained focus on the emergency response remains crucial in order to avoid a resurgence of the virus. With DFATD’s support the WHO is helping to reduce and control the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa and to provide care to those affected. Project activities include: (1) tracing and monitoring all those who have been in contact with Ebola-infected individuals to ensure early detection and treatment; (2) coordinating Ebola response strategies across the affected countries and providing technical support; (4) supporting improved disease surveillance and infection prevention and control in all health facilities; and (5) facilitating medical support for victims and survivors.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) enhanced access to medical care for Ebola patients and survivors; (2) improved identification understanding and interruption of all remaining chains of Ebola transmission in Guinea Liberia and Sierra Leone; and (3) improved coordination and management of the international humanitarian response. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or acute food insecurity.