Highlights
After two weeks without new cases of Ebola virus disease, three new cases were reported in Guinea in the week ending Sunday 18 October. No new cases were reported in Sierra Leone.
Following the workshop on survivors held in Kindia, Guinea, from 5 to 7 October, the National Coordination Cell is in the process of formulating a national strategy to support the EVD survivors.
The Interagency Collaboration on Ebola held the eighth Coordination Board meeting on 8 October. The Board recognised the importance of preserving strong national and international capacities that have the capacity to respond to flare ups across the region.
The Ministry of Health’s WASH and environmental health package for health facilities in Liberia was validated in a meeting on 8 October with over 60 participants drawn from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Public Works, WHO, CDC and other partners. The package will contribute to improve the quality of health service delivery and infection, prevention and control measures.
WHO held the three-level meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone from 12-14 October. There was consensus that rapid-response team capacity is not strong enough at present. Ebola Crisis Managers (ECMs) and OCHA will work with WHO to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) that recommend minimum standards and guide the contributions of partners in country. Simulations will be planned for December and January to assess capacity.