The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
UNOPS supporting Ebola recovery phase across West Africa
UNOPS projects providing logistical and infrastructure support to affected countries.
UNOPS and the Governments of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, with funding from the World Bank, have moved to establish an operational platform to support the rapid deployment of hundreds of international responders in the region.
In close coordination with UNMEER and the World Health Organization (WHO), this project will provide a broad range of assistance to those responding to the Ebola crisis, including contracts, remuneration, transportation and accommodation.
"We are helping governments address the urgent needs across affected countries by creating a safe environment for patients and healthcare professionals. This will allow support workers to focus on the needs of communities affected by this crisis," explained UNOPS Executive Director, Grete Faremo.
Several governments, the African Union, as well as various international organizations already on the ground have welcomed UNOPS help.
Medical specialists will be deployed to Liberia and Sierra Leone to act as mentors to support, assist and train doctors, nurses and medical staff in order to rebuild health services and create a safe environment for patients affected by Ebola.
The project will also assist the three Governments with the restoration of existing medical facilities.
The project will also assist the three Governments with the restoration of existing medical facilities.
In Liberia, for example, UNOPS is working closely with the Liberian Government to rehabilitate existing health infrastructure. UNOPS will also help improve waste management systems.
UNOPS support is based on needs assessments that will be conducted by the Governments in coordination with the WHO.
More than 8,900 deaths have been recorded as of 4 February, with over 22,000 reported confirmed, probable and suspected cases of Ebola in the three countries since the outbreak began.
UNOPS has been supporting international efforts to combat the outbreak since last year.
From October 2014, UNOPS partnered with the WHO to support the Government of Liberia's Ministry of Health and Social Welfare with the emergency procurement of much-needed vehicles. UNOPS procured 19 additional ambulances to transport affected people, and provided rapid response support to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
For more information, please contact cu@unops.org
