Following the notification of two Lassa Fever outbreaks in Gueckedou health district in the months of August and October, our teams supported the Ministry of Health’s response with the donation of supplies for patient care, including Ribavirin, a drug used as treatment for the disease.
In August, we launched an assessment into a potential diphtheria outbreak in the district of Siguiri. The outbreak was confirmed and an emergency response was launched to support the Ministry of Health on the management of these cases.
Patients with moderate and severe forms of the diphtheria were admitted to a treatment center, while those with mild symptoms were issued follow-up appointments and given antibiotics to take at home, along with information on how to reduce the risk of transmission. We also support community awareness campaigns and patient outreach activities. By the end of 2023, the number of patients was still rising.
In late 2022, an Epicenter and MSF team dedicated to epidemiology and research, launched an Oral Cholera Vaccination project and study in Guinea in partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Harvard University, assessing the development of immunity to the vaccine. Over 450 participants were enrolled in 2023, receiving two doses of the oral vaccine.
