Coalition Meeting Notes

Minutes from the weekly meetings held by the Global Ebola Response Coalition:

11 Dec 2015

In summary: In past 6-9 months, virus re-emergence from survivors has led to 10 flare-ups. WHO/MSF prepare clinical trial protocols for continuing ring vaccinations. World Economic Forum to explore new ideas for vaccine development.

04 Dec 2015

In summary: Challenges persist with staff turnover, survivor care and rapid response. No new transmissions reported in the 3 affected countries this week. In Sierra Leone MSF warns about broad quarantines and semen testing of survivors begins.

27 Nov 2015

In summary: Liberia re-establishes contact tracing following recent flare-up. Guinea President convenes an awareness raising conference on Ebola vaccines. WHO to publish survivor clinical care guidelines next week.

20 Nov 2015

In summary: Liberia responds quickly to 10-year old boy diagnosed with Ebola. UN intensifies efforts to transfer responsibilities from ECMs to RCs. Donors look to understand how the Ebola recovery and survivors can be better supported.

13 Nov 2015

In summary: Sierra Leone enters period of heightened surveillance and Guinea approaches milestone of all contacts to be released from follow-up. Situation in Liberia remains positive. Medical and psychosocial care for survivors will be needed through 2016

06 Nov 2015

In summary: Sierra Leone looks forward to 7 November and the end of human-to-human EVD transmission. Situation in Guinea is also positive with a general feeling that the response is working. New Director for Outbreaks and Health Emergencies is appointed.

30 Oct 2015

In summary: uncertainty remains over new Ebola case in Guinea, Sierra Leone preparing for 7 November and end of 42 day period. Comprehensive surivor package is being developed in Sierra Leone. Two babies with Ebola in Conakry receive Z-Mapp drug.

23 Oct 2015

In summary: new, unexpected Ebola infection in Guinea. 42-day countdown in Sierra Leone is well advanced. Liberia makes progress in managing backlog of dead body swab samples. UK Ebola meningitis cases raises questions for the response.

16 Oct 2015

In summary: two new cases and uncontrolled transmission still occurring in Guinea. ICE Coordination Board agrees to enhance support to national authorities. New England Journal publishes 3 articles related to viral persistence.

09 Oct 2015

In summary: ongoing transmission risks in Forecariah, Guinea, and in Kambia and Bombali, Sierra Leone. Viral persistance in survivors is particularly relevant in capitals. Work with manufacturer of VSV-EBOV vaccine is taking place to expand access.

02 Oct 2015

In summary: two active transmission chains now. Research into viral persistance should be made with care to avoid stigmatisation. Monrovia surveillance strategy meeting to take place 5-6 October. UNDP to clarify pledges on recovery and funding mechanisms.

25 Sep 2015

In summary: three active transmission chains right now, 5 out of 6 recent transmissions events due to viral persistance. Clarification needed on vaccine and rapid disgnostic test availability. Survivor care gaining greater political priority.

18 Sep 2015

In summary: severe floods in Sierra Leone and Guinea elections are impacting response. Imposition of quarantine and of vaccine rings need to considered in tandem. Increased training and access to facilities can reduce effect of survivor eye complications.

11 Sep 2015

In summary: no new transmission chains being reported. Survivor virus re-introduction suspected. Studies on the presense of Ebola in breast milk continues. Sierra Leone develops survivor care packages. UNICEF to look at increased vaccine access.

04 Sep 2015

In summary: all 3 affected countries reach milestones. Phase 3 of response will focus on interupting transmission chains. Careful incident management will be necessary and hasty drawdown of capacity to be avoided. Survivors require continued assistance.

28 Aug 2015

In summary: three active chains of transmission remain, Phase 3 of the response will focus on identifying risks, ensuring rapid response capacity and providing survivor support, common issues are identified across the three affected countries.

21 Aug 2015

In summary: while the end of the outbreak is near, vigilance and readiness remain vital; sophisticated approaches to contact tracing and social mobilization are being adopted; there is a need for livelihood support and clinical care for survivors; etc.

14 Aug 2015

In summary: vigilance is key as number of contacts requiring follow-up is high; work & resources required for Ebola survivors to address medical & psycho-social conditions; positive interim results of ring vaccination trials; etc.

31 Jul 2015

In summary: significant improvements with reductions in number of new cases & ebola-related deaths; difficult operational conditions for the response due to rainy season; Sierra Leone may start vaccination trial following success in Guinea; etc.

24 Jul 2015

In summary: the majority of new cases come from contact lists; the incentives for people under quarantine is improving; concerns about possible Ebola transmission from survivors; Malabo meeting led to agreement for an African CDC; etc.

17 Jul 2015

In summary: focus is on transmission chains; progress made in creating incentives for effective quarantines, such as improving access to services; as the recovery process begins, partners need to continue showing solidarity and commitment; etc.

03 Jul 2015

In summary: new Ebola cases in Liberia signal that continuous vigilance is key; quality of contact tracing & analysis of transmission chains is improving in Sierra Leone; need to recognize that Ebola-affected countries’ systems are in crisis; etc.

26 Jun 2015

In summary: to encourage cooperation incentives should go along with quarantines; coordination between national authorities, international responders is key to align actions; need to share Guinea, Liberia & Sierra Leone experiences with Guinea-Bissau; etc

19 Jun 2015

In summary: quarantines are meant to support people during 21 days, not as a punitive measure; communities without Ebola transmissions need support & strong surveillance; responders’ hard work needs to be acknowledged; etc.

12 Jun 2015

In summary: number of newly diagnosed cases has plateaued in Guinea but concerns over lack of personnel to strengthen surveillance; social mobilization campaigns need communities’ involvement; need for response capacity in Guinea-Bissau; etc.

29 May 2015

In summary: ongoing outbreak in Guinea & Sierra Leone where response remains intense; support for water, sanitation & hygiene essential to infection prevention & control; clarification on timeframes & resources key to recovery plans; etc.

22 May 2015

In summary: road to zero in Guinea & Sierra Leone remains bumpy; non-Ebola health care issues being addressed in Liberia & 2 other countries; SG’s Conference will provide forum for donors while private sector, NGOs will share recovery roles; etc.

15 May 2015

In summary: outbreak presents challenges in Guinea, more positive outlook in Sierra Leone; Panels studying the Ebola response to recommend ways for world to better deal with health crises; Necessity to re-assess regularly resources being requested; etc.

08 May 2015

In summary: some districts still at risk hence maintaining focus as challenges continue; IDB's contributions to the response, improving schools and health facilities; potential programmatic challenges due to upcoming rainy season call for readiness; etc.

01 May 2015

In summary: strengthen surveillance to monitor transmission chains; need for responders to closely coordinate with national authorities during transitional period; efforts to enhance ability to share health data at community level; etc.

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