Critical Guidelines for Health Care Workers Who Deploy to West Africa for the Ebola Response

The recent report “Academic Institutions’ Critical Guidelines for Health Care Workers Who Deploy to West Africa for the Ebola Response and Future Crises” was very interesting. ¹ Cranmer et al mentioned a “lack of sufficient and qualified [health care workers].” In fact, a team of volunteers to work in West Africa assisting those affected by the outbreak is a good thing. However, good preparation for a team of volunteers before an actual mission is necessary. At least, there should be a short training course on the new disease before health care workers are allowed to enter the outbreak area. ² Patel et al noted that “existing community health programs can be used as a platform to train volunteer health advisors in times of epidemics for quick dissemination of vital health information in areas lacking adequate health infrastructure and personnel.” ³ Finally, preparation for management of possible infected volunteer health care workers is required. There must be a good primary management and a referring back system.