Before Departure: Ebola Mission
You are preparing to depart on an Ebola mission. This page contains essential information to ensure you are prepared before departure. Two principles apply throughout: be in good health and stay in good health.
Required Checklist
Complete a new Pre-departure medical exam
Complete Pre-departure Health Questionnaire
Sign the "Health informed consent and 21-day planning" form
Attend the mandatory collective Ebola briefing by TF21
Update Vaccinations
Take malaria prophylaxis
#1. HEALTH PREPARATION
Before any Ebola mission, confirm that your health status is compatible with a demanding emergency deployment.
Malaria prophylaxis prescription
- Malaria prophylaxis (Malarone, Doxycycline, or Mefloquine) is mandatory, no exceptions, including for staff from malaria-endemic countries.
- Purchase enough to cover your first weeks on mission and begin treatment one day before departure.
- If you are taking Mefloquine, start at least 7 days before departure. If you are taking Malarone or Doxycycline start at least one day before departure..
Up-to-date vaccinations
- Check your vaccination status (recommended list: HealthTravel.ch) and complete any boosters required.
- Injections must be administered at least 10 days before departure to avoid post-vaccination fever in the field (for example, the fever peak following measles vaccination can occur up to 10 days after administration).
- If you are not up to date, postpone your departure until you are.
Chronic illness assessment
- If you have a chronic condition, ensure you have completed the Pre-Departure Health Questionnaire and discussed the feasibility of this mission with the Staff Health Unit (SHU).
- Ensure you have a prescription for all necessary medications for the full duration of your mission (plus 2 months extra).
- MSF does not supply medication for chronic conditions.
Mosquito repellent
- Carry and use mosquito repellent daily throughout your mission to protect against malaria, dengue, and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Pregnancy check
- Confirm you are not pregnant before departure. Pregnancy is not compatible with an Ebola mission.
If you become ill or develop a wound between accepting your post and departing
- Inform the Staff Health Unit and the FMR, and consider delaying your departure.
Take your time
- Take time to understand the realities of the mission and consider how you will cope with the challenges you may face. Make sure you have the information you need and do not hesitate to ask questions; information helps reduce uncertainty and can increase your sense of confidence and preparedness. Reflect on your reasons for joining the mission and the values that drive your commitment.
Communicate with your loved ones
- Before leaving, take time to prepare your family and close friends for your deployment. Explain the mission context, share information about Ebola if needed, and discuss how and when you will be able to communicate. Setting realistic expectations and talking about your return in advance can help maintain connection and reduce concerns on both sides throughout the mission.
#2. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Your health
To ensure the well-being and safety of staff, the medical information of anyone going on an Ebola mission or field visit will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Taskforce 21 will provide you with the steps you need to follow to verify that your health status is compatible with the mission.
- Ensure you complete the Pre-departure Health Questionnaire
This document contains all health-related information for staff preparing to join an Ebola mission.
This document contains all information related to the mental health of staff regarding stress management during an Ebola mission.
Before departing on any Ebola mission, it is essential to understand the health risks. This document is a copy of the informed consent form that each person will be asked to read and sign before departure.