How prepared is Cameroon in the wake of the current Ebola outbreak: Drawing experiences from the recent West African outbreak crisis

The Ebola virus disease is of global concern due to the virulent nature of the virus with a case fatality rate varying from 25% to 90%. In a bit to protect her citizens, Cameroon took measures to prevent the virus from invading its territory during the West African Outbreak of 2013-2015. This research had as objectives to assess the extent to which recommended Ebola control measures are being implemented at the Points of entry (PoEs) and health facilities in the South West Region of Cameroon. An observational, cross-sectional descriptive study was employed.

The study sites included PoEs in the South West Region and their corresponding health facilities and the Douala International Airport.  A direct observation checklist was used to collect quantitative data at study sites. An in-depth interview with 11 focal persons for Ebola at the PoEs and health facilities was conducted to collect qualitative data. Fifteen PoEs were assessed and majority of the PoEs had ≤20% of the required control measures: 7(77.78%), 14(82.75%), 3(60%) and 2(40%) respectively for required screening control measures, appropriate infrastructure and supplies, personnel competence and IEC control measures. Similarly many health facilities had ≤20% of required control measures: 2(22.22%), 9(52.95%) and 2(40%) respectively for required screening control measures, appropriate infrastructure and supplies and personnel competence. Therefore we conclude that the control measures instituted at both the PoE and Health Facilities were sub-optimal and needed re-enforcement.