From a peak of over 500 cases a week in October 2014, with transmission in all 14 districts, Sierra Leone has reached the tail end of the Ebola outbreak with single digit cases in only one district as of mid-September 2015. Active case search, supervision and mentoring of contact tracers and contact tracing activities continue to be strengthened in all districts. As a result of a coordinated effort with partners and national authorities, 14 districts will have completed their 42-day countdown to become free of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission by 7 November 2015.
In order to consolidate these gains, preparedness in the event of reoccurrence remains crucial in getting to and maintaining a resilient ZERO.
The current outbreak has not only tested the existing health infrastructure, but has also overshadowed work in strengthening the health system services in the country.
While ending the current Ebola outbreak remains the primary objective of Sierra Leone and the sub-region, WHO is committed to assist in strengthening the country’s existing health system’s capacity to detect, respond to and recover from public health emergencies now and in the future.
Sierra Leone has entered Phase 3 of the response which has two key objectives: first; to define and rapidly interrupt all remaining chains of transmission and, second, to identify and manage risks in all locations that were previously affected. Towards this end, a rapid emergency operational plan has been initiated that provides support to assess the risks, trace, monitor and support each and every person linked to Ebola cases, and ensure that the best possible Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) standards are upheld in all healthcare facilities to protect Health Care Workers (HCWs) and those seeking care.
In light of behavioural challenges, social mobilization teams and anthropologists work alongside surveillance colleagues to address rumours, perceptions and harmful practices. In an effort to provide a comprehensive response, a multidisciplinary approach was adopted to ensure Sierra Leone not only achieves ZERO cases but sustains a resilient ZERO. To this end, operational management, integrated strategic planning and management (national and district level), protection for (HCWs) and patients through proper IPC, all the while revitalizing the Integrated Disease Surveillance Disease(IDSR) in the country to ensure preparedness. Interagency coordination with other UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes (AFPs) has maximised response efforts, with a common goal to fully support the government with its national priorities and strategies.