THE NATIONAL STRATEGY FACING EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE. WHAT PERSPECTIVE IN MOROCCO?

Mohamed Réda Sefrioui*, Majda Hannani, Hicham Fettah, Youssef Sekhsokh, Yahya Cherrah and Soufiane Derraji

ABSTRACT

Background: Since the announcement by the World Health Organization of the outbreak of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West African countries in March 2014, Morocco has developed a national plan watch and prepare for the response to this disease. In this context, we conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the national Ebola surveillance and preparedness plan. This study produced recommendations that could help strengthen the country's preparedness in the event of an epidemic on the national territory. Materials and Method: This is a descriptive, quantitative study spread over a period of 3 months. It took place in the different medical structures involved in the detection and management of suspected cases of Ebola Virus Disease. Included in our study all health professionals practicing at these medical facilities. The questionnaire data was analyzed using the Excel software. Results and Discussion: This study assessed the effectiveness of the national EVD preparedness plan for health professionals and brought forward recommendations. The response rate of our survey is 96%. The recommendations that emerge from our study concern training, information and communication, intersectoral coordination and financial and human resources. Conclusion: If the risk of an imported case is considered low at present, it is not to be excluded. With an adequate level of preparedness, Morocco could stem upstream any eventual importation of cases of EVD. However, it is important to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the national EVD surveillance and preparedness plan, in order to adapt and strengthen coordination among all stakeholders to maximize efficiency.

Keywords: Ebola - Epidemic - National Strategy - Prevention Measures.