Ebola Crisis in West Africa - Multi-Partner Trust Fund 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. 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 Ebola Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund is helping United Nations agencies and other humanitarian organizations to address immediate priorities and gaps in the response to the Ebola outbreak. Project activities aim to: (1) stop the spread of the disease; (2) treat infected people and survivors; (3) ensure continuity of essential services such as basic health food and nutrition water and hygiene and sanitation; and (4) support preparedness efforts in other countries.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) enhanced access to medical care for Ebola patients and survivors; (2) restored access to essential services for Ebola-affected populations; (3) improved identification understanding and interruption of all remaining chains of Ebola transmission in Guinea Liberia and Sierra Leone; and (4) 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.