ReliefWeb

TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE DIFFERENT NEEDS OF WOMEN, GIRLS, BOYS AND MEN MAKES HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE MORE EFFECTIVE AND ACCOUNTABLE TO ALL AFFECTED POPULATIONS.

As of 21 January, WHO reports the cumulative number of Ebola cases (probable, confirmed and suspected) in the countries with widespread and intense transmission (i.e. Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone) stands at 21,689, with 8,626 recorded deaths. This equates to a mortality rate of 39.7%, however it is acknowledged that deaths are underreported.

The sex-disaggregated breakdown of the cumulative cases across all three countries as 51% female and 49% male (female cases per country are Guinea 51.7%, Liberia 49% and Sierra Leone 52.3%).
In the previous gender alert it was noted how cultural and traditional practices in West Africa have the potential to greatly increase the exposure of women to the risk of Ebola (including women’s role as professional health workers, as care-givers in the household and in the preparation of dead bodies for burial). This demonstrated that, irrespective of the male/female ratio of cumulative cases, any strategies to stem the epidemic require a gender nuanced approach that addresses the differing needs, interests and vulnerabilities of the women, men, boys and girls in the affected countries.

Now that the rate of infection seems to be stabilizing, more attention is being paid to the wider, socio-economic impact of the crisis which also effects women, men, girls and boys in different ways. To this end, this update of the Gender Alert seeks to highlight the most pressing issues relating to ensuring gender-equality is a central facet in the strategic planning and implementation of the continuing humanitarian response and the transition to recovery.