Public health advice on multisectoral action for social and economic protection of communities during Ebola and Marburg disease outbreaks

Overview

This public health advice addresses the need for multisectoral action to support the social and economic protection of communities affected by Ebola and Marburg disease outbreaks. These outbreaks pose significant public health risks and are associated not only with high mortality but also with wide-ranging social and economic consequences, including disruption of services, loss of livelihoods, and stigma. The document draws on operational experience, including the 2025 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of The Congo, to highlight the importance of integrating community protection approaches into outbreak response.

The guidance outlines practical measures to plan, target and implement coordinated interventions across sectors such as health, social welfare, education, food security and mental health. It emphasizes the identification of vulnerable groups, continuity of essential services, community engagement and the establishment of coordination mechanisms. The document also provides a framework for prioritizing context-specific actions to mitigate the indirect impacts of outbreaks and response measures. It aims to strengthen preparedness, response and recovery efforts by promoting equitable access to support and enhancing the resilience of affected populations.