Leveraging Technology in Effective Manage- ment of Epidemics in Developing Countries: Lessons from the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa.

Abstract

The problem of disease epidemics is an ever present threat in our increasingly connected world is one that many nations particularly in the developing world, continue to struggle with. However, in recent times, the use of technology has played a crucial role in the effective management of disease outbreaks. The 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa witnessed unprecedented applications of digital innovations to key areas of the public health response- disease surveillance, health worker training and public education; with satisfactory results. In Nigeria in particular, these interventions were partly credited with the swift containment of the outbreak and prevention of significant catastrophic damage. These technological solutions, though relatively simple, present the possibility for reverse technology transfer. Long standing protocols and approaches in disaster response currently in use in developed countries can be modified and improved upon, taking into account lesson from successes achieved using technology in the fight against Ebola in West Africa.