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Benin: Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness - Emergency Plan of Action (EPoA) n° MDRBJ014

Attachments

A. Situation analysis

Description of the disaster

Since February 2014, when first cases were reported in Guinea, the virus of Ebola continues to spread dangerously in the countries of West Africa despite the ongoing efforts undertaken by the authorities to stop the disease from spreading. As of August 18, WHO has recorded a total of 2473 cases attributed to the disease Ebola, with 1350 death detailed for each country as follow: Guinea 579 cases with 396 deaths, Liberia 972 cases with 576 deaths, Nigeria 15 cases with 4 deaths, Sierra Leone 907 cases with 374 deaths.

For the moment the response of humanitarian organizations does not seem to be able to curb the spread of the virus, and WHO is concerned on the work that needs to be done to be able to control the spread of the disease and to succeed in reversing the trend. It remains difficult to reach people for support, or to convince them to seek for treatment. There is still perplexity over the existence of the disease among the community. To date, all West African countries are on alert; some have closed their land borders and stopped air flights to/from the affected countries.

It is the first time Benin prepares for Ebola. Its population as its health facilities have limited knowledge of the mode of transmission measurements and prevention. Since the beginning of the outbreak, the Benin government has initiated several measures to prevent the occurrence and prepare the response to this epidemic through:

  • Strengthening of epidemiological surveillance throughout the country and especially in the border areas with Nigeria and at the airport.

  • Strengthening of health checks at land, sea and air borders.

  • Increased vigilance in emergency departments of public hospitals and in private health facilities.

  • Installation of facilities to isolate affected persons.

Health authorities in Benin have activated the national platform for disaster risk reduction to reflect on the situation through meetings held at the Ministry of Interior and Public Security.

The Red Cross of Benin aims, through this plan, to support the government of Benin in contributing to the prevention of the epidemic and to prepare for a potential response to the disease.

Summary of the current response

Overview of the Host National Society

Prevention and response to epidemics are among the priorities of the Benin Red Cross in accordance with its strategic plan. The National Society, as auxiliary to public authorities under the coordination of the Ministry of Health, has experience in the prevention of epidemics, as was the case during the cholera epidemics in 2012 and 2013. The National Society was also member of the national platform for reducing disaster risks organised by the Council of Ministers on 30 December 2011 and has worked closely with the structures and services of the Ministry as part of prevention activities. The National Society has 67 local committees across the country with about 13,000 active volunteers. The Health focal point of the Benin Red Cross participates in the meetings of the national platform for disaster risk reduction held at the Ministry of Interior and Public Security. The Benin Red Cross is involved in the pillar communication to undertake social mobilisation activities to increase knowledge of risk and promote prevention behaviour. Volunteers from local branches located in municipalities with a border with Nigeria have been put on alert for sensitization particularly of Porto Novo and Cotonou.

The risk of spread of the Ebola epidemic in Benin is high because of the large trade flows between Benin and Nigeria through hundreds of crossing points on the border.

Overview of Red Cross Red Crescent Movement in country

The Netherlands Red Cross is present in country and since early September has been implementing a project focused on diarrhoea treatment which will be carried on for the next 3 years.

Coordination within the Movement

IFRC always supports the Benin Red Cross as part of outbreak management. The support will be coordinated through the West Coast Regional Office based in Abidjan and Africa Zone Office in Nairobi. Netherlands Red Cross is also ready to provide support if needed.

Overview of non-RCRC actors in country

No external actors at the moment.