Knowledge and attitudes of Ebola among the general public of Trinidad and Tobago during the 2014-15 West Africa outbreak

S Pooransingh; S Mohammed; K Melville; C Mohammed; M Mohammed; R Mohammed; W Mootoo; M Morris; D Motilal; B Bhagwandeen; I Dialsingh

To build a resilient health system there is a need for community engagement which can aid containment efforts during an outbreak. In addition to the healthcare workers who need to train and to exercise their preparedness plans, the community needs to be involved in the planning and preparedness. In addition to health system strengthening in terms of surveillance and response capacity to early detect and manage outbreaks, the community needs to be engaged and made aware of the risks for each potential threat and of their roles and responsibilities in securing national health security. This could address the issue of staff not presenting to work since community involvement in planning could positively influence decisions healthcare workers take during an emergency with respect to work and surge capacity. In Nigeria respondents suggested sensitisation of communities for effective prevention and control. A survey in the USA stated the need for honest accurate information, 'even if that information worried people.' The survey report indicated that 'These results suggest the value of proactive communications designed to All rights reserved. No reuse allowed without permission.