An evaluation of MSB:s support to the Ebola crisis in Liberia
Publish date: 2015-08-27
Report number: FOI-R--4096--SE
Pages: 93
Written in: Swedish
Keywords:
- MSB
- FMT
- Ebola
- evaluation
- Liberia
- ETU
- WHO
Abstract
This evaluation looks at the Ebola emergency response of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) in Liberia 2014-2015 - the biggest international operation of MSB to date. The objective of the report is to assess the results of the operation, influencing factors, and whether the operation facilitated a future creation of a permanent Foreign Medical Team (FMT) of MSB. On 16 October 2014, Sweden's Government decided to earmark 100 million Swedish crowns for MSB to launch Ebola-related operations in West Africa. MSB decided, after a request from the World Health Organization (WHO), to contribute with an FMT which was to operate a so-called Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) in Monrovia, Liberia. The operational context changed rapidly and the assignment of MSB shifted numerous times. MSB decided, in line with changing demands, not to open the ETU which it had been assigned. Instead, the medical team ended up supporting another ETU, advising Liberia's Ministry of Health and providing assistance to Sinoe County in south-eastern Liberia with handling an Ebola outbreak and strengthening health clinics. MSB proved quick and flexible and contributed with knowledgeable personnel who professionally and constructively worked with Liberian partners. Smooth cooperation between Swedish government agencies also characterised efforts. However, setting up such a sizable operation, where medical personnel made up half of the staff, was new to MSB, and doing so during an ongoing crisis was challenging. The size and complexity of the operation resulted in large and partly new requirements in areas such as leadership, human resource management, communication and coordination. This report analyses related experiences and discusses a possible development of an FMT capacity of MSB.