Online Program

Oral

The 2014 Ebola Epidemic is the largest in history affecting multiple countries. To date, 27,896 total cases, 15,213 lab confirmed cases and 11,296 deaths occurred collectively in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. Given the way in which the Ebola virus is transmitted among humans, it is essential to understand the unique characteristics of the virus that presented challenges for women and girls. Given that Ebola is passed through body fluids, women are more likely to be exposed to body fluids through their role as caregivers, the state of pregnancy and sex based vulnerabilities associated with Ebola. This panel examines the importance of implementing and designing sex and gender specific approaches to addressing an Ebola outbreak in real time. Speakers will share lessons learned with respect to effective approaches to identify and treating women and girls during an epidemic. There are reports that up to 75% percent of those infected with the virus were women and girls. Speakers working on the forefront of the epidemic will share their findings from the perspective of conducting vaccine research, tracking and treating infected pregnant women and addressing the daily demands of women and girls in affected communities. While it is gratifying to know the epidemic is in decline and the numbers of infected persons have dropped considerably, the speakers will share their vision for what is urgently needed to address future infectious diseases outbreaks from a gender focused perspective.

Session Objectives: Analyze an infectious disease outbreak from a gender focused perspective. Describe the characteristics of Ebola virus transmission that present specific risks for women and girls. Formulate effective strategies for women and girls in the context of an infectious disease epidemic.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)