Global Biodefense February 18, 2021
The last outbreak of Ebola in West Africa that occurred between 2014 and 2015 and affected Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, was the world’s deadliest Ebola outbreak, which began in Guinea and in which more than 11,300 people died including over 500 health workers. But countries in the West African region are in a very different position seven years on. Liberia and Sierra Leone have already mobilised and activated their national response and preparedness plans. Countries in the region also have the experience of the past, experienced workforce, laboratory systems are more developed, regional organisations and new tools to tackle Ebola. According to experts the success of a control strategy is not based on the obvious information you have, but the subtle unanswered questions. They compiled a series of questions which are key to preparedness strategies. Their recommendations include surveillance especially in border towns, symptoms surveillance teams, and screen for ethnic groups to which sick people belong…read more.