New strategies and more hands-on capacity needed to curb Ebola epidemic (MSF)

[Pathfinder]

New Strategies and More Hands-on Capacity Needed to Curb Ebola Epidemic

15 August 2014

http://www.msf.org/article/new-strategies-and-more-hands-capacity-needed-curb-ebola-epidemic

 

[Thornton]

Re: New strategies and more hands-on capacity needed to curb Ebola epidemic (MSF)

From the above statement by Doctors without Borders
http://www.msf.org/article/new-strategies-and-more-hands-capacity-needed-curb-ebola-epidemic

We are also implementing new strategies, adapted to the situation. For example, we are finding ways for patients with Ebola who are in isolation wards to remain in touch with their families so that they are not completely cut off from their loved ones. We have also worked closely with families, to support them when bodies need to be buried, so that they can do it safely but also with dignity.

This is very important as there is a very human side to this crisis that needs to be taken into account to help patients, to help families and to build trust and support of communities.

But MSF is limited in what it can do. More help is needed in these countries to improve outreach with communities, epidemiological surveillance and care of patients. More workers with hands-on capacity are essential, to help implement and develop new approaches and strategies.

We in flutrackers.com can provide some of the help needed by getting the word out on the specific needs. We can do that by amplifying responsible communication networks not only with the people directly affected but through other blogs and expatriates that have contacts. Flutrackers is a communications network. We have participants, readers and useful content. Most of us have intertwined networks that can facilitate each other. We can ask more questions and seek solutions. How do the people in Ebola affected areas communicate with each other, authorities and outside world? Are radios working, are radios distributed are radio stations broadcasting? How are cell phone communications maintained? Would building a cell phone network be the fastest way to build a system ?

Any measures taken, ranging from safe burials, to encouraging people not to hide when they are sick, to contact tracing, will need the understanding and acceptance of the population to be fully successful.

In times of despair people need other people more than ever. I will start spreading the msf link that I have read from Pathfinder to as many medical students and colleagues that I can trust to take the next steps.

Joseph Thornton MD