This research paper explains what the Ebola Virus Diseases (EVD) is about and accounts of its history, centering on policy and administrative measures to tackle the EVD. In elucidating details of the EVD the research paper narrates aspects of when the virus was incepted in history and the origins of the virus. It also assesses controversies behind the origin of the virus and gives a conclusion that wild animals of unspecified type are the origin.
Its origin is unspecified given the fact that various wild animals are considered to be the root causes either as a contact or as food resources. Added, the paper details how the Ebola Virus Diseases of 2014 expanded beyond geographical barriers and affected huge numbers of people breaking the overall records in history and surpassing the overall past occurrences together in magnitude and scope.
The plague with such magnitude has shattered the capacity of Western African countries to contain it and put into question the ability of the world health organization (WHO) and the global community. Be that as it may, the collective participation of the global community has brought the plague into a defeat. The plague has been contained with the diverse role played by the international community, INGOs, WHO, the UN and the host West African countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone have used different administrative and policy mechanisms to contain the Ebola Virus Disease of the 2014. The 2014 Ebola Crisis could not have been contained without those administrative and policy addressees that the host countries have designed and implemented.
The UN, WHO, and INGOs have also collaborated in containing the plagues with diverse administrative and policy issues besides providing resources to avert the farther expansion of the plague and its huge impact on security in its border term among which failure of investing on health facilities in West Africa was unprecedented. The research has finally drawn a recommendation and a conclusion.
Table of Contents
Introduction
I. Historical Background
1. Origin
2. Epidemiology
3. The Ebola Virus Time Line
II. The Ebla Crisis of the 2014
III. The Ebola Crisis of 2014 Actors, Policy and administrative addresses
1. Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone Policy and administrative addresses
2. The UN and WHO Addressing the Ebola Crisis
3. INGOs
Conclusion
Objectives & Research Themes
This research paper aims to analyze the 2014 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak by investigating the historical origins, epidemiological characteristics, and the diverse administrative and policy measures implemented by national governments and international organizations to contain the crisis.
- Historical evolution and origins of the Ebola virus.
- Epidemiological profile and transmission mechanisms of EVD.
- Evaluation of policy and administrative responses in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
- Analysis of the collaborative efforts and challenges faced by the UN, WHO, and INGOs.
- Assessment of the systemic gaps in public health infrastructure and security.
Excerpt from the Book
The Ebola Crisis of 2014 Contributing Factors
The magnitude of the 2014 Ebola outbreak was unprecedented in history. The MSF document titled “Ebola 2014-2015 Facts & Figures” (2015, p.4) elaborates that the Ebola epidemic of 2014 was 67 times the size of the largest previously recorded outbreak. The MSF document depicts the entire 2014 Ebola outbreak magnitude as follows:
“Between 1976 and 2013, 2316 cases were reported. If this pace was maintained, the number of years it would have taken to reach the number of confirmed cases in the West African outbreak (2014-2016) would have been 447 years, arriving at the year 2461. This hypothetical calculation illustrates the unprecedented scale of the last outbreak compared to previous ones.”
Viebeck (2014) expressed this magnitude on THE HILL quoting the WHO officials as “unparalleled in modern times.” This unprecedented outbreak of the Ebola virus disease was the result of multiple factors. These factors are:
First, it was under “Silent expansion,” as noted by the International Crisis Group (2015, p.8). This “Silent Expansion,” can be explained as the way in which the disease expanded “unnoticed” as observed by Cenciarelli, Andrea Malizia, Sassolini, Rea et al (2015) in the Journal of Microbiology and “confusion” due to resemblance with other disease according to International Crisis Group (2015, p. 8) led the Ebola virus disease to expand. This means the disease was not detected or unrecognized which gave the disease an easy pass to expand quickly in nations with poor health facilities. Thus, according to Deonandan (2014) article on the Huffington post, the virus was not contained early due to lack of detection which led to the silent expansion of the disease. Added, as noted by the International Crisis Group resemblance with other disease created confusion and led to easy expansion of the disease contracting both health care workers and the society around.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the scope of the research, focusing on the historical background, timelines, and the administrative policies used to combat the Ebola virus.
I. Historical Background: Examines the discovery of the Ebola virus, its varied origin theories, and the epidemiological details of the virus.
1. Origin: Discusses controversies and research surrounding the primary reservoirs of the virus, highlighting the role of wild animals and fruit bats.
2. Epidemiology: Details the transmission paths, symptoms, and fatality rates associated with the Ebola virus in humans.
3. The Ebola Virus Time Line: Provides a chronological overview of recorded outbreaks from 1967 to 2014.
II. The Ebla Crisis of the 2014: Analyzes the contributing factors, such as "silent expansion," failed infrastructure, and cultural barriers that exacerbated the 2014 epidemic.
III. The Ebola Crisis of 2014 Actors, Policy and administrative addresses: Evaluates how global and national actors collaborated to manage the crisis.
1. Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone Policy and administrative addresses: Focuses on the specific national responses, including quarantines and communication strategies in West Africa.
2. The UN and WHO Addressing the Ebola Crisis: Critiques the response of the WHO and the subsequent involvement of the UN via UNMEER.
3. INGOs: Highlights the critical role of organizations like MSF in providing medical care and infrastructure during the outbreak.
Conclusion: Summarizes the lessons learned, recommending improved investment in public health and governance to handle future emergencies.
Keywords
Ebola Virus Disease, UN, WHO, INGOs, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Security, Epidemiology, Public Health Emergency, Outbreak, Pandemic, Quarantine, Medical Infrastructure, Crisis Management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this research paper?
The paper examines the 2014 Ebola crisis in West Africa, specifically focusing on the history of the virus and the administrative and policy measures adopted by national and international actors to contain it.
What are the central themes discussed in the paper?
The core themes include the epidemiological nature of the Ebola virus, the factors contributing to the 2014 epidemic's magnitude, and the efficacy of the response strategies implemented by states and global health organizations.
What is the primary research question?
The research primarily seeks to determine what policy and administrative measures were enacted by the governments of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, along with international bodies, to curtail the 2014 Ebola pandemic.
Which research methodology is employed?
The paper utilizes a documentary analysis approach, synthesizing historical accounts, official reports from the WHO and MSF, and academic literature to reconstruct the timeline and management of the Ebola outbreak.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the virus's origin and epidemiology, a detailed timeline of outbreaks, the factors contributing to the 2014 crisis, and a comprehensive evaluation of national and international policy responses.
What keywords characterize the work?
The key terms include Ebola Virus Disease, UN, WHO, INGOs, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Security, Epidemiology, Public Health, and Crisis Management.
How did cultural practices influence the spread of the virus in West Africa?
The paper notes that communal cultural practices, such as washing dead bodies for burial and high levels of physical interaction within families, significantly increased the transmissibility of the virus.
What role did international NGOs play in the crisis?
INGOs, particularly Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), acted as essential responders by managing treatment centers, conducting surveillance, providing psychological support, and filling gaps left by national governments.
Why was the WHO criticized in the context of the 2014 crisis?
The WHO faced criticism for its slow response and initial rejection of reports regarding the outbreak, which according to the author, led to a missed opportunity to halt the spread earlier.
What recommendation does the author give regarding future outbreaks?
The author strongly recommends that affected nations invest in robust public health infrastructure, maintain transparent communication, and reduce dependency on wild animals as a food source.
- Citar trabajo
- Wasihun S. Gutema (Autor), 2016, The Ebola Crisis. An Overview, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/352228
