Response to the Ebola crisis in DRC

More than 2,000 people have died since the Ebola outbreak a year ago in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Medical professionals there have to work hard to contain the virus, and they face daily adversity due to the presence of armed groups, widespread violence, and in an environment of mistrust towards health workers. There are about 120 armed groups in the region, who regularly harass and attack Ebola treatment centres. Political friction and socio-economic degradation have been exasperated by a sharp increase in violence and tension between different communities. Butembo and Katwa are the epicentres of the crisis and where our emergency response team have set up. They have begun to work in healthcare centres to add strength to the response, while educating the community about the disease, to try to prevent further spread. Supporting the work with the local healthcare system is fundamental to contain the epidemic. The priority activity is to run training courses with health personnel so that they can quickly identify the virus and therefore reduce the risk of contagion, which can be lifesaving for themselves and other patients. They can then make referrals to help those infected get treatment. In the first week of August, 36 staff members in five health centres attended training on the best practices to reduce the spread of Ebola, and treat patients who have caught it. Following that, further training in psychosocial care focusses on the skills...
Source: Doctors of the World News - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: Uncategorised Source Type: news