The worst outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in history continues to ravage communities in West Africa. The World Health Organisation reports that there have been in excess of 22 000 reported confirmed, probable and suspected cases of EVD in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, with almost 8800 deaths as of January 2015. Two previously affected countries, Nigeria and Senegal, continue to be free of the virus as of October 23, 2014.
The rapid spread of Ebola in West Africa has been exacerbated by weak health systems and poor hygiene and sanitation practices. Widespread and intense transmission has been devastating for families and communities, compromising essential civic and health services, weakening economies and isolating affected populations. The epidemic has had broad impact on the socioeconomic stability of the region, livelihood opportunities are expecting to decrease and the food security situation remains fragile in the three affected countries.
Humanitarian Response Network of Canada members are responding to the crisis with the support of the Government of Canada.
Please click on the following resources to learn more about the HRN members' responses to the Ebola crisis:
- Commitments to strengthen the Ebola response by the Humanitarian Response Network
- Ebola and the private sector by Oxfam Canada