2015 WHO and WFP Cooperation in their Response to the Ebola Virus Disease Emergency: Lessons from WFP and WHO Personnel and Partners

Rome (Italy): World Food Programme (WFP), 2016.

English English

102 p.

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On 26 July 2014, the World Health Organization declared a Grade 3 emergency for the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak, followed by a declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 8 August. Shortly thereafter, WFP declared its Level 3 Corporate Emergency. Recognizing the breadth, depth, urgency and innovation required to identify, reach and successfully treat every Ebola case, WHO and WFP formed a partnership that supported the system-wide epidemic response. This intensified collaboration was recognized as beneficial for the overall humanitarian response, which resulted in the signing of a formal partnership in February 2015. This partnership allowed both agencies to reach, monitor and respond to the needs of all people affected by Ebola. WFP’s unparalleled logistics and supply chain capacity merged with WHO’s technical teams with expertise in health logistics, infection prevention and control, epidemiology and contract tracing ultimately enabled dedicated health workers in all affected areas to do their best work. Such a fruitful relationship was recognized as a learning opportunity for the future, informing capacities of WFP and WHO to launch joint operations during large scale emergencies. WHO’s ability to mobilize support and its technical know-how, combined with WFP’s efficiency in ensuring a regular supply of medical equipment, hygiene items, generators and vehicles in ii Foreword unprecedented emergencies such as that of the Ebola were crucial for stopping the relentless chain of viral transmission.

Electronic ed.

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Lessons Learned Exercise

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