HIGHLIGHTS
UNFPA Priority areas
- Contact tracing to control the spread of Ebola and identify cases
- Reproductive health (RH) services and midwives for safe birth and family planning
- Personal protection supplies for staff and health workers
- Social mobilization and community engagement to prevent infection and increase the use of health services
- Monitoring and preparedness for neighbouring countries
Overview
UNFPA estimates that in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, more than 800,000 women will give birth in the next 12 months. Without life-saving emergency obstetric care, more than 120,000 could face a complication that might be life-threatening. To mitigate this, UNFPA has been working closely with governments and partners to help health workers provide safe, compassionate care for women, through the provision of personal protection equipment (PPE), disinfectant materials, and reproductive health supplies.
Access to essential normal and emergency obstetric and neonatal service delivery and care in an Ebola-free environment for women is crucial. “The Mano River Midwifery Initiative” is our response.
This $50 million project will reinforce the healthcare systems in the wake of the Ebola epidemic. By devoting essential human resources, equipment, drugs and supplies, and building the capacity of national health professionals and community awareness, this project will set the ground for swift recovery. In each country, a quick assessment will establish the population distribution, the availability of health professionals and equipment, and the international support already in place. This will address the most critical needs while complementing ongoing efforts.
Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, the UNFPA Executive Director, participated in a joint mission to the Horn of Africa from 27 to 30 October, with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the President of the Work Bank Dr. Jim Yong Kim as well as Representatives of the Africa Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and the European Union. Dr. Osotimehin has reaffirmed the importance of implementing the Mano River Midwifery Initiative in the three most-affected by the Ebola crisis.
A recent strategic meeting in Accra, Ghana, 30-31 October, identified gaps and challenges that need to be addressed in the coming weeks. Observation is favoured over the risky and unreliable temperature monitoring. However, strengthening local capacity, adapting protocols to local context and urban areas, and establishing a hotline are integral to scaling up surveillance efforts.