Ebola virus disease in West Africa: a call to overhaul health systems in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

In March 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) was notified of an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa. This has turned out to be the largest and most heartbreaking epidemic since the first outbreaks recorded in 1976. There are several reasons that have made the control of this outbreak difficult. Broken down health systems, slow response, poverty, poor sanitation and local traditions such as kissing and washing of the dead top the list of challenges that complicated the control of the out-break. Unfortunately, these challenges are not limited to the three countries (Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea Conakry) most hit by Ebola virus disease but cut across many health systems in sub-Saharan Africa. The epidemic has not only highlighted the health challenges faced by many poor countries in sub-Saharan Africa but serves as an urgent call to overhaul the weak health systems. This article reviews the status of health systems in sub-Saharan Africa and provides possible suggestions to improve responses to future outbreaks of EVD and other infectious diseases.