UNICEF is among the agencies supporting the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Angolan Ministry of Health in their efforts to prevent the spread of the Ebola-like disease that already has killed scores of people, including at least 92 children under 15 years of age. Six health workers also are among the dead.

The outbreak is concentrated mainly in the northern province of Uige, but there have been several deaths in hospitals in Angola's capital, Luanda, and in another northern province, Cabinda. While those cases reportedly originated in Uige, worry over containing the outbreak is intensifying.

Volunteers Going House-to-House

A far-reaching communication and social-mobilization campaign aimed at informing the population across the country of the existing epidemic outbreak and the measures people ought to take to prevent becoming ill, is underway.

"A UNICEF team of experts in social mobilization is currently fully dedicated to supporting our colleagues from the Ministry of Health and WHO," said Mario Ferrari, UNICEF Representative in Angola. "A timely and relevant communication strategy is absolutely crucial to prevent the virus from spreading," he emphasized.

Elements of the campaign are already up and running in the province of Uige with radio programs constantly broadcasting messages specifically designed to reach the population at risk. In addition, some 600 activists have been trained and given much-needed materials to conduct house-to-house visits and ensure the word on the epidemic reaches the more isolated areas.

Meanwhile, the Scouts of Angola have agreed to mobilize some 5,000 scouts throughout the country to support the dissemination of life-saving information. "Only in Luanda, we are expecting to immediately train 750 scouts. By next week-end they should be equipped to distribute information to people and drivers on the street and advise them on how to prevent the hemorrhagic fever and what to do if they come across a suspected case," says Celso Malavoloneke of UNICEF.

Posters, stickers, brochures,and radio and TV spots are being prepared to complete the communication efforts and expand them throughout the country.

Epidemic Still Unfolding

A UNICEF emergency convoy containing 42 kits of essential drugs and gloves for the health workers arrived in Uige during the Easter week-end to ensure dispensaries are stocked up. Thanks to the rapid response of UNICEF's Copenhagen-based supplies team, badly needed disinfectants, intravenous liquids, masks, protection glasses, clothes and boots for health workers are on their way to Angola for prompt distribution to Uige and other provinces.

"The epidemic is unfolding and we don't know yet the full effect it can have," says Guy Clarysse of the Angola Health Section. "The response needs to be firm, rapid and multilayered. While we make sure the ill are cared for, we need to protect the health personnel. Their commitment is crucial to maintain the faith of the population and ensure they seek help in the hospital and health centers in Uige."

Key organizations, such as CDC, USAID, MSF Spain, Holland, Belgium and France are also part of the National Technical Commission set up to implement the emergency response to the Malburg epidemic. "It is particularly encouraging to note that such an amount of dedicated professionals have been mobilized and are working together to contain what could become a tragic humanitarian crisis," said Guy.

Hemorrhagic Fever Syndrome

The Marburg virus is a rare cause of viral hemorrhagic fever syndrome that belongs to the same family as Ebola.

The main symptoms observed are fever and haemorrhage, as well as cough, diarrhea and vomiting.

The Angolan Ministry of Health has formally declared an epidemic in the Province of Uige and is closely monitoring the few cases already reported in Luanda.