WHO Issues Ebola Response Phase 3 Framework

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued the new document, Ebola Response Phase 3 Framework, to incorporate new knowledge and tools into the ongoing Ebola response and recovery work to achieve and sustain a "resilient zero." Phase 3 of the response builds upon the rapid scale-up of treatment beds, safe and dignified burial teams, and behavior change capacities during Phase 1 (August-December 2014); and the enhanced capacities for case finding, contract tracing, and community engagement during Phase 2 (January-July 2015). This framework incorporates new developments and breakthroughs in Ebola control, from vaccines, diagnostics and response operations to survivor counseling and care.

Phase 3 objectives include: Objective 1 - To accurately define and rapidly interrupt all remaining chains of Ebola transmission. Objective 2 - To identify, manage and respond to the consequences of residual Ebola risks.

The chapters include:
1. Context for the outbreak and descriptions of Objectives 1 and 2
2. Risks to the implementation of Phase 3
3. Priorities to operationalize Phase 3
4. Phase 3 and early recovery
5. Key timelines & milestones for Phase 3.

Source: WHO