The current situation and the SDC’s commitment
The situation in the three worst affected countries - Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea - remains critical. The epidemic is not only having a severe impact on the entire healthcare system of the countries affected but also has serious implications for security, food supplies and the overall economic situation.
There are currently still no drugs or reliable vaccines against Ebola. However, several countries, including Switzerland, are working hard to develop a vaccine. The first series of clinical tests began at the end of October 2014.
The SDC has been monitoring the situation since the first cases of Ebola became publicly known in March 2014 via the Swiss Humanitarian Aid cooperation office in Monrovia (Liberia). The office staff has since been increased to 21 persons with the addition of an emergency aid coordinator, a logistics expert and a project manager from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit, SHA (currently 5 SHA and 16 local employees).
In September 2014, the SDC together with the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) and in cooperation with Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) conducted a factfinding mission in Liberia. The findings confirmed SDC’s priorities in answer to the Ebola crisis 1. Containment of the epidemic through proper treatment and preventive measures 2. Strengthening of health care systems of the affected countries 3. Mitigation of adverse effects at the social and economic level
Further deployment of SHA experts with partner organisations in the crisis area is being examined.
