The Ebola Tragedy in West Africa: An Examination of the Sierra Leone Experience and Recommendations for the Future.

Abstract

This paper addresses the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa, with specific focus on Sierra Leone, one of three most hardly hit countries in the sub-region.  It starts by briefly presenting the trajectory of the virus, before discussing the factors responsible for its unprecedented spread and magnitude. The paper then goes on to underscore lessons learned while making recommendations regarding future outbreaks and emergencies. The article addresses the lackluster initial response of the Sierra Leone government, international organizations like the WHO, as well as the international community. Current efforts at finding treatment for the disease, the responsibility now and in the future of governments of affected countries round up the discussion.