Update: the current situation and SDC operations
The situation remains critical 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.
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, Liberia is reinforced by an emergency coordinator and a logistics expert from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA). Currently the number of staff totals 20 (4 members of the SHA, 16 local staff).
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. A factfinding mission has been carried out jointly by the Swiss Army and SDC to evaluate whether the army can play a role in providing air support for the transportation of humanitarian personnel and relief items in Liberia. The findings are currently being assessed by the Swiss Army.
