The Kaiser Famly Foundation noted: “As of August 14, 2014, the Ebola virus has infected an estimated 1,975 individuals across four countries in West Africa, leading to 1,069 deaths (including three Americans). The official reported numbers, frightening as they are, likely vastly underestimate the true magnitude of the outbreak. Ebola has severely impacted the daily life of affected communities, and raised concerns across the globe about its ongoing spread. The fact that this outbreak has led to so many cases and deaths (approximately 45% of all cases of Ebola ever reported have come since March of this year) is concerning for the individuals and families struggling with the disease, and leads to questions regarding the global capacity to detect and respond to such events. It also brings up four key policy questions for the U.S. concerning its engagement with the international community’s efforts to combat Ebola and other emerging infectious disease outbreaks.”

HAS THE U.S. RESPONSE MATCHED THE NEED?

HOW DOES THE EBOLA RESPONSE FIT INTO THE BROADER U.S. GLOBAL HEALTH EFFORT?

HOW TO STRIKE THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN ACCESS AND REGULATORY SAFETY?

CAN THE U.S. HELP COUNTRIES GET AHEAD OF THE CURRENT OUTBREAK OR WILL THIS REMAIN A CATCH UP GAME?

The international response so far has not been able to meet the needs of the countries facing this Ebola outbreak. By many accounts, there remains a serious lack of basic supplies, protective gear, and laboratory capacity, and an insufficient number of health workers to put into place all of pieces of the response that will be necessary to contain this outbreak. There remains an urgent need to fill these gaps, that the U.S., along with other countries and multilateral organizations, can help address with continuing and expanded support as needed. Given the attention to this topic, as Congress and the Administration consider what comes after addressing the immediate needs in West Africa they face a uniquely powerful and opportune moment to focus on the key questions and debates that have been raised by the outbreak and response.

Click here to read the full KFF article “Ebola in West Africa: Four Questions for the U.S. Response Going Forward” by Josh Michaud and Jennifer Kates.

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Doctor, Did You Wash Your Hands? ™ provides information to consumers on understanding, managing and navigating health care options.

Jonathan M. Metsch, Dr.P.H., is Clinical Professor, Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Adjunct Professor, Baruch College ( C.U.N.Y.), Rutgers School of Public Health, and Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration.

This blog shares general information about understanding and navigating the health care system. For specific medical advice about your own problems, issues and options talk to your personal physician.

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