ALERT Quarterly Report (Q1 2015)

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a total of 9,712 cases and 4,332 deaths in Liberia since March 2014. Improved behavior messaging regarding transmission and prevention increased the capacity of partners and the Government of Liberia (GOL) to conduct contact tracing, active case search, and safe and dignified burials, all of which were instrumental in the reduction of cases. The ALERT program, supported by Global Communities, continued to adapt to changing priorities and needs, maintaining responsive support for burial and disinfection teams based on need. The program provided 25 ambulances and shifted contact tracing activities to active case search surveillance as cases decreased. The Disco Hill safe burial site increased operations, with 691 burials completed during the quarter. Social mobilization activities continued in 12 counties, with engagement of over 200 traditional leaders to spread behavior change messaging and halt dangerous bush school practices. The ALERT program's objective is to ensure a maximum level of community preparedness for and responsiveness to Ebola exposure. The program supports effective outreach, education, messaging, and the availability of critical health care workers, burial teams, and community-based structures to mitigate the risk of further Ebola transmission. Global Communities accomplished this through engagement in three technical areas: social mobilization, case detection, and case management. The program built on existing structures within the Liberian government and traditional leadership to promote local capacity development and ownership of Ebola response programming. During this quarter, the ALERT program's focus shifted from massive emergency response to targeting the remaining cases of Ebola and preventing reinfection. The program maintained social mobilization activities and burial team/dead body management support in all 15 counties, while expanding logistical support to collect and transport swabs to test dead bodies for Ebola. Global Communities on-boarded three new expatriate key staff and one local security coordinator, and procured 25 Suzuki Motorbikes and 94 automobiles, all sourced in Liberia from Liberian suppliers. The program's implementation was flexible and community-focused, addressing critical needs in Liberia's Ebola response across all counties. The program supported Community Meeting and Dialogue Sessions (CMDS) to engage community members and leaders in Ebola prevention education and messaging. Global Communities continued to recognize the significance of traditional leadership in social mobilization activities, working closely with traditional leaders to spread messages and maintain credibility and trust in program communities. The Special Traditional and Cultural Engagement (STACE) Initiative was launched this quarter, supporting chiefs to meet with bush school spiritual leaders and encourage them to halt traditional activities that increase the risk of EVD transmission. The initiative promoted key messages, including the importance of not touching dead bodies, halting high-risk bush school activities, seeking medical treatment for the sick, and reporting suspected cases to local health authorities immediately. Many chiefs declared a suspension of bush school activities and were enthusiastic to continue promoting preventative behaviors.