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The USAID-supported Forécariah ETU proved critical in halting Guinea’s Ebola outbreak
In August 2014, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) declared West Africa’s Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Since the onset of the outbreak in December 2013, Guinea has recorded more than 3,800 suspected, probable, and confirmed Ebola cases, including approximately 2,500 deaths. Despite response efforts, the country’s Ebola outbreak remained difficult to control—particularly in Forécariah Prefecture, which experienced significant community resistance to public health measures, as well as constant population flux due to a shared border with Sierra Leone’s Kambia District, another Ebola hotspot.
In January 2015, with support from USAID, the French Red Cross (FRC) assumed management of Forécariah’s sole treatment facility. FRC staff treated Ebola patients, trained Guinean health workers on patient treatment and infection prevention and control, and reduced community resistance by educating local households about Ebola treatment.
In response to increased transmission in Forécariah in April 2015, FRC transformed the facility into an Ebola treatment unit (ETU), doubling its treatment capacity. Since commencing operations, the ETU treated a total of 54 confirmed Ebola patients, 24 of whom were discharged as survivors—a survival rate of approximately 44 percent. In total, the ETU screened more than 360 people for Ebola, admitting more than 290 patients as suspected cases.
FRC also worked closely with the Guinean Red Cross to conduct community outreach and employed several Ebola survivors to operate as clinical providers and support staff at the ETU.
Through patient treatment and community outreach, the FRCmanaged ETU supported the people of Forécariah during a crucial period and assisted in containing Guinea’s Ebola outbreak.
USAID partners continue to conduct surveillance activities across the country and stand ready to help respond to any new Ebola cases in Guinea.