Learning from the epidemiological response to the 2014/15 Ebola virus disease outbreak

Maya Holding, Chikwe Ihekweazu, James Mac Naughton Stuart, Isabel Oliver*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A large international response was needed to bring the 2014/15 West African Ebola virus disease outbreak under control. This study sought to learn lessons from this epidemic to strengthen the response to future outbreaks of international significance by identifying priorities for future epidemiology training and response. Epidemiologists who were deployed to West Africa were recruited through a snowball sampling method and surveyed using an online anonymous questionnaire. Associations between demographics, training, qualifications, and role while in-country were explored alongside respondents’ experience during deployment. Of 128 responses, 105 met the inclusion criteria. Respondents originated from 25 countries worldwide, for many (62%), this was their first deployment abroad. The most common tasks carried out while deployed were surveillance, training, contact tracing, and cluster investigation. Epidemiologists would value more detailed predeployment briefings including organizational aspects of the response. Gaps in technical skills reported were mostly about geographical information systems; however, epidemiologists identified the need for those deployed in future to have greater knowledge about roles and responsibilities of organizations involved in the response, better cultural awareness, and leadership and management skills. Respondents felt that the public health community must improve the timeliness of the response in future outbreaks and strengthen collaboration and coordination between organizations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)169-175
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Global Health
Volume9
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Evaluation of Interventions, University of Bristol, in partnership with Public Health England. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National Health Service, the NIHR, the Department of Health or Public Health England. We extend our gratitude to all of the participants who took part in this study.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 Atlantis Press International B.V.

Keywords

  • Ebola virus
  • Epidemiologist
  • International deployment
  • Outbreak response
  • West Africa; FETP

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