Update: the current situation and SDC operations
The number of Ebola infections continues to rise in the three countries hardest hit – Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The epidemic is having a grave impact on the entire health care system in the affected countries, with serious implications also for the overall security situation, food supplies and the local economies.
Switzerland and other UN member states were asked by the United Nations to contribute to the "UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response" (UNMEER). A list of in-kind requirements was provided. The SDC has reviewed the request and made contact with the Swiss Army in order to assess whether they can provide air support for the transportation of humanitarian personnel and relief items in Liberia. Moreover, the use of voluntary army personnel is under evaluation.
A fact-finding mission will be carried out jointly by the Swiss Army and SDC to evaluate the feasibility of such an undertaking and the number of any needed personnel.
The focus of assistance provided by SDC is on: 1) treatment and prevention operations to help contain the epidemic; 2) strengthening of the local health systems; 3) mitigating the adverse secondary effects of the crisis, including food shortages.
The staff at the SDC programme office in Monrovia is reinforced by an emergency coordinator and a logistics expert from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA). Onsite SDC staff receives support from security experts.