Saint Lucia Strengthens National Preparedness Systems Amid Global Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak

The ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) by the World Health Organization (WHO) as of May 17th. Given this declaration, there is a need for heightened international and regional vigilance and coordination, especially with the current situation in conflict-affected regions with limited access to healthcare services.

The current Ebola outbreak is concentrated in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, and therefore, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Nigeria Center for Disease Control have classified the following countries as high risk, that is South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, the Central African Republic, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, the Republic of Congo and Burundi.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in collaboration with CARICOM IMPACS has reactivated the enhanced, risk based travel history screening at points of entry by leveraging the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) which flags travellers arriving from or transiting through Ebola affected areas. This approach strengthens early detection of travel associated cases while maintaining efficient border operations and minimizing unnecessary disruption to travel and trade.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition is working on the National Ebola Plans in collaboration with the hospitals and health stakeholders. A comprehensive report of needs is also being compiled to facilitate country requests and procurement. Presentations and sensitization on the Ebola virus have been held with Healthcare workers, Education, Tourism and the Business Sector.

Interventions are ongoing to strengthen the ports of entry to support timely identification, reporting and management of travellers who may have been exposed to Ebola Virus Disease or travelled from affected countries within the previous 21 days.

The CARPHA Regional Referral Laboratory now has the capacity to test for Ebola viruses and has coordinated transportation of suspected case specimens on behalf of CARPHA member states.

The current risk to the Caribbean is assessed by CARPHA as low. However, given the introduction to the Caribbean region remains through travel associated importation and the region’s high connectivity through international travel, strengthening of the national surveillance systems is important.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition continues to closely monitor the outbreak and prepare plans for prevention, early detection and management in country, in consultation with the regional public health agencies.

At present, the Health Education and Communication Unit is developing the risk communication plan to facilitate the delivery of targeted, evidence-based messages to the public to support early recognition and adherence to country guidelines for care and management.

The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the global development of the outbreak and provide regular reports and updates.