HIGHLIGHTS
• Mali has confirmed its first case of EVD.
• The WHO Emergency Committee in Geneva agreed that the EVD outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Key Political and Economic Developments
1 . SRSG Banbury continued his consultation with the governments of the affected countries on the operational framework for the EVD response, meeting with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia. Once consultations have concluded, the framework will be tailored to the specific circumstances of each affected country. Key elements are already being rapidly implemented as all partners in the EVD crisis response work toward the overall goal of 70 per cent of cases isolated and 70 per cent of burials conducted safely and in a dignified manner by 1 December.
2 . The third meeting of the WHO Emergency Committee in Geneva agreed that the EVD outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The WHO reported that cases are increasing exponentially and the primary emphasis must remain on stopping the transmission of EVD in these three countries. Exit screening is also critical for reducing the exportation of EVD cases. The Committee reiterated its recommendation, however, that there should be no general ban on international travel or trade as it would be likely to cause economic hardship and increase the uncontrolled migration of people from affected countries. The key lessons learned to control the outbreak include the importance of leadership, community engagement, bringing in more partners, paying staff on time, and accountability.
Human Rights
3 . 43 people quarantined for EVD monitoring in western Liberia are reportedly threatening to break out of an isolation center because of a lack of food.
4 . Work has commenced on an EVD holding facility at Freetown's largest prison. With almost 2,000 inmates, EVD could spread quickly among this vulnerable population. With support from UNDP, the correctional facility will refurbish two holding centres - one for women and one for men - that will house new inmates and keep them separate from the general population for 21 days. UNDP also handed over equipment like buckets, soap, blankets and mosquito nets that will help inmates and guards at Freetown's prison and all 17 prisons in Sierra Leone.