Key Findings
Anticipated scope and scale
Disease transmission continues, as does exponential growth in cases. The end of the epidemic is not in sight. Over 22 million people are living in areas with active EVD transmission.
Actors in the field are not able to contain the epidemic and have extreme difficulties managing cases. The indirect consequences of the epidemic are extensive, including loss of routine health services, and a severe economic impact. The health system effects are likely to worsen as the epidemic progresses.
Humanitarian Constraints & Response Gaps
Weak national health systems with, proportionately, the lowest numbers of health workers in the world per population. Loss of local health workers further diminishes response capacity. Lack of training or experience.
Fear and mistrust of the national and international health system and authorities are increasing Ebola transmission. Rumours that foreign aid workers and disinfection teams are propagating the disease result in threats, attacks and security issues.
The rainy season, as well as movement restrictions, pose difficulties for transport and access.
Restrictive confinement policies hamper access to healthcare, food, and markets. Border closures limit arrival of humanitarian cargo and personnel.
Priorities for Humanitarian Intervention
Countries require an urgent and massive mobilisation of international resources to address the epidemic and its implications.
Assistance is urgently needed to address the humanitarian consequences of the epidemic, especially the disruption of all healthcare services.
Health workers are extremely vulnerable to the epidemic as they are frequently at risk of contracting the disease. 373 health workers have reportedly developed EVD, of whom 208 have died, as of 21 September. Women constitute a large proportion of health workers and caregivers.