Real-Time Ebola Community Feedback Mechanism

Abstract

Since the start of the Ebola outbreak in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in close partnership with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have supported the Red Cross of DRC to set up a rapid community feedback mechanism. A network of Red Cross volunteers living in the outbreak area collect rapid and regular perception data about Ebola and wider health issues of affected communities. These data inform responders about community concerns, perceptions, beliefs, priorities, and needs, and is used to tailor response mechanisms to make them more appropriate and effective.