20-22 July 2015, Monrovia, Liberia
The context of the Ebola epidemic presented extreme challenges for Oxfam, as it did for many organisations. At the onset of the epidemic, there was a general lack
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of understanding of the disease and how to respond to it effectively and safely. A pervasive and persistent climate of fear, coupled with changing predictions about the likely evolution of the epidemic, influenced analysis and response at all levels. There was strong pressure to treat the epidemic as a medical emergency requiring a medical response – organised through topdown processes – rather than standard humanitarian coordination
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This review of the IFRC support to the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society response to the 2012 cholera outbreak provides ideas
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and concepts to promote a more coherent and evidence based rationale on how to make more effective use of IFRC global assets to stop, control, mitigate and respond to cholera epidemics. No fit and healthy person should die from cholera – that should be the indicator of success.
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MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report December 19, 2014 / 63(50);1205-1206
Assessing the impact of the EVD outbreak on health systems in Sierra Leone. Survey concluded 6-1
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7 October 2014
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This report presents, for the first time, a global assessment of the extent to which health care facilities provide essential water, sanitation
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and hygiene (WASH) services. Drawing on data from 54 low- and middle-income countries, the report concludes that 38% lack access to even rudimentary levels of water, 19% lack sanitation and 35% do not have water and soap for handwashing. When a higher level of service is factored in, the situation deteriorates significantly. A number of areas require urgent action and WHO will work with UNICEF, Governments and other partners to develop a global plan to address the most pressing needs and ensure that all health care facilities have WASH services.
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Purpose of this document: to present eight practical steps that Member States can take at the national and sub-national level to improve WASH in health
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care facilities
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