The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda has brought back memories for Al Martin, Aspen Medical's Chief Defence & National Security Officer. During the 2014-2016 West African Ebola crisis, which claimed over 11,000 lives, Martin served as Aspen Medical's country director in Sierra Leone. He witnessed the emergency firsthand and took on the challenge of managing the Hastings Airfield Ebola Treatment Centre during the darkest days of the crisis.
Martin's experience in Sierra Leone highlights the importance of strict safety protocols and rigorous training for healthcare workers. During his 12-month stay, not a single expatriate or local national contracted Ebola, despite infection rates among clinicians reaching up to 20%. This remarkable achievement earned the project recognition and the team the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal.
Today, Aspen Medical is one of only two organizations globally classified by the World Health Organisation as an Emergency Medical Team for infectious disease outbreak management. Martin emphasizes that the lessons learned in West Africa remain crucial in tackling current outbreaks.
Managing Ebola effectively requires rapid mobilization and deploying the right personnel to the right location at the right time. A critical aspect is ensuring a steady supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as constant decontamination is essential for containing the virus. However, the right gear is useless without robust clinical systems to support it.
Building trust in the community is another complex hurdle. When a medical facility experiences high mortality rates, like the Hastings Airfield Ebola Treatment Centre, the surrounding community often views it with fear. To address this, Aspen Medical implemented a psychosocial model, providing mental health support for both staff and survivors. This approach was crucial in combating the trauma experienced by families and staff, as Martin recalls the emotional toll of the outbreak.
Martin's firsthand account underscores the significance of comprehensive strategies, including safety protocols, training, trust-building, and psychosocial support, in combating Ebola outbreaks. As the world grapples with the ongoing crisis, his insights offer valuable lessons for managing future outbreaks effectively.
