The UK's multidisciplinary response to an Ebola epidemic

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The 2014 West African Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic was the largest and most severe on record.
• The outbreak significantly impacted public health systems and clinicians globally, necessitating an international response.
• The United Kingdom (UK) played a substantial role in the EVD response efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the multifaceted contributions of UK professionals during the West African EVD epidemic.
• To showcase the involvement of various UK sectors in both domestic and international response efforts.
• To underscore the global reach and impact of the EVD outbreak and the UK's role in mitigation.

Main Methods:

• This article provides a narrative overview of UK involvement.
• It synthesizes information on the roles played by different professional groups.
• Focuses on contributions within affected regions (e.g., Sierra Leone) and internationally.

Main Results:

• UK academic, health service, military, commercial, and public health professionals were actively engaged.
• Significant contributions were made both within the UK and in affected West African countries.
• The UK's response was prominent, particularly in Sierra Leone.

Conclusions:

• The UK's diverse professional expertise was vital to the international response to the EVD epidemic.
• Collaboration across sectors (academic, health, military, commercial, public health) was key to managing the crisis.
• The article emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in combating global health emergencies like EVD.