Conference Summary: Using Lessons Learned from Previous Ebola Outbreaks to Inform Current Risk Management

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Wed, 2015-04-08 19:03 — mike kraft

CENTER FOR DISEASES CONTROL by Dickmann P, Kitua A, Kaczmarek P, Lutwama J, Masumu J, Karimuribo E, et al April 8,2015

Summary of conference on lessons learned from Ebola crisis

"...A major conclusion was that infectious disease management will work only when it is established with and within the community and not directed against it. This lesson requires community engagement in formulating infection control measures, as well as implementation, dissemination, and promotion of these measures. Infection control procedures are generally perceived as intrusive and, as such, often interfere with local social, cultural, and religious practices.... Building on this process of finding the right, appropriate containment measures, communication and health promotion work best when they involve community and religious leaders, traditional healers, and other advocates.

National and cross-border Ebola outbreaks are a new development, and engagement with various communities has presented a particular challenge throughout the current outbreak. A key aspect of this engagement is to devise and elaborate solutions for infection control that are consistent with local realities and practices. International health and aid organizations must strive to work in concert with communities to find adequate infection-control solutions....

Early sharing of information and surveillance data among professional groups was considered to lead to clear benefits. The countries of central and eastern Africa learned from previous outbreaks, and they have established infectious disease surveillance networks that operate in cross-border regions. Training in risk communication and One Health promote early communication among neighboring professionals across sectors and with the public. Multisectoral collaboration is key to early detection and faster response...".