Thread by @WHO

Over 200k people have been vaccinated as part of tireless efforts to stop the current #Ebola outbreak in #DRC.

Saving lives with an experimental vaccine is one thing done differently, compared to the 2014 West Africa response.

Here the lessons learnt 👉bit.ly/2TQe40E

@WHOAFRO @OMSRDCONGO @DrTedros @MoetiTshidi The implementation of the #Ebola vaccination strategy in the #DRC has been possible thanks to the training of over 4000 Congolese staff supported by 45 researchers from #Guinea and other African nations 👉bit.ly/2TQe40E

@WHOAFRO @OMSRDCONGO @DrTedros @MoetiTshidi @MinSanteRDC The devastating 2014–2016 #Ebola epidemic in West Africa resulted in over 11000 deaths. It prompted changes in the way the 🌏🌎🌍 responds to outbreaks: putting research at the heart of the response 👉 bit.ly/2TQe40E

@WHOAFRO @OMSRDCONGO @DrTedros @MoetiTshidi @MinSanteRDC Rapid laboratory testing can make or break an #Ebola response. Faster test results mean faster access to care, increasing the survival chances for patients. In #DRC, laboratory testing uses a “revolutionary” platform. 👉bit.ly/2TQe40E

@WHOAFRO @OMSRDCONGO @DrTedros @MoetiTshidi @MinSanteRDC Patients who access treatment for #Ebola early have higher rates of survival. WHO pays tribute to the brave #HealthWorkers who are conducting a crucial clinical trial in a complex environment of #DRC

@WHOAFRO @OMSRDCONGO @DrTedros @MoetiTshidi @MinSanteRDC During the #Ebola epidemic in West Africa it became apparent that survivors suffer continuing health problems.
@MinSanteRDC, WHO & partners are offering all survivors the opportunity to take part in a comprehensive programme of follow-up care in #DRC.

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1088473549810081792?s=20/video/1

@WHOAFRO @OMSRDCONGO @DrTedros @MoetiTshidi @MinSanteRDC In #DRC, WHO and partners are using social science and engaging with communities in the #Ebola response. Community feedback is regularly collected to inform the response, but also to identify and address rumours and misinformation.

@WHOAFRO @OMSRDCONGO @DrTedros @MoetiTshidi @MinSanteRDC WHO has changed its emergency response structure to bring speed and predictability to emergency work. This year, adjustments were made to emphasize the critical importance of preparedness.

@WHOAFRO @OMSRDCONGO @DrTedros @MoetiTshidi @MinSanteRDC Outbreaks often move faster than the money allocated to respond to them. WHO set up a rapid response funding mechanism called the Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) so that money is immediately available to jump-start an outbreak response.