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Ensuring continuity of HIV services during Ebola crisis

Countries
Liberia
+ 2 more
Sources
UNAIDS
Publication date
Origin
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The recent past has witnessed an unprecedented Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak that has affected countries in West Africa and beyond.

Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone have been the most affected counties with widespread transmission. The WHO Ebola response team suggests that the cumulative numbers of cases could rise to 5740 in Guinea, 9890 in Liberia, and 5000 in Sierra Leone, exceeding 20,000 in total, by November 20141 . Without adequate control measures, the affected countries could suffer a long period of crisis. Over 200 health workers in these countries (greater than 50% case fatality rate) have lost their lives2 while providing health care to Ebola infected patients. This epidemic threatens to compromise the social, political and economic fabric of the West African region.

The first-ever UN emergency health mission, the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) has been set up to respond to immediate needs related to the Ebola Crisis. Containing Ebola remains the priority in the affected countries. Additionally, the impact of the Ebola Crisis on health systems is of grave concern; routine services including HIV/TB services have been compromised and people living with HIV are increasingly vulnerable. This includes PMTCT services which have a profound effect on women and their newborn babies. During the Ebola Emergency response, securing continuity of access to anti-retroviral (ARVs) drugs and essential HIV prevention interventions including PMTCT is critical to reduce morbidity and mortality of people living with HIV and to prevent new infections. To this end, the UNAIDS Inter Agency Task Team (IATT) to address HIV in Humanitarian Emergencies is advocating for a minimum HIV service package as part of efforts to restore public health services during this EVD outbreak. This brief outlines the recommended minimum HIV package of interventions and actions required to ensure continuity of HIV services, including through community platforms.

Recommended Minimum HIV service package

  • Standard health facilities infection control precautions, including, when required, standard personal protective equipment (PPE) and approaches within facilities and at community level care points

  • Access to (Male and Female) condoms

  • Safe blood transfusion services

  • Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) continuation for people on treatment

  • PMTCT services continuation

  • TB/HIV services continuation

  • Post-exposure prophylaxis for both occupational and non-occupational exposure to HIV