Ethical responses to Ebola: applying lessons learned

Hosted by The Global Health Network

Following the identification of ebolaviruses in 1976, numerous Ebola outbreaks have arisen. In 2014-2016, in West Africa, the largest outbreak to date was designated as a public health emergency of concern. The Ebola-Zaire strain, which has caused the majority of outbreaks and cases, has been the subject of significant research, including the development and licensing of two vaccines. In contrast, for the first time in over a decade, the rarer Ebola-Sudan strain has caused the current outbreak in Uganda, and vaccines for this strain are still under development. This seminar reviews how lessons from previous Ebola outbreaks can contribute to embedding ethics in responses to the current and future ebolavirus outbreaks including:

  • What lessons should we take from the COVID-19 pandemic and Ebola outbreaks to inform approaches to inform preparedness, surveillance, public engagement and infection control in current and future outbreaks?
  • Which research questions should be prioritised during outbreaks with rarer ebolaviruses?

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