Forty-two years of responding to Ebola virus outbreaks in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review

Rugarabamu S., Mboera L., Rweyemamu M. et al. BMJ Global Health (2020) C2
This review article examines 42 years of Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks in Sub-Saharan Africa, from 1976 to 2019. The authors analyze the epidemiology, geographical distribution, mortality rates, and response strategies associated with 34 Ebola outbreaks across 11 African countries. The review identifies key challenges in controlling Ebola, including weak health systems, limited surveillance and laboratory capacity, sociocultural practices, environmental changes, and community mistrust. It also discusses advances in diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines, and emphasizes the importance of a One Health approach, community engagement, effective communication, and stronger healthcare systems to improve preparedness, prevention, and response to future Ebola outbreaks.