title: The Ebola epidemic and public health response.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  An unprecedented global effort has been required to tackle the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. In this paper, we describe the contribution of Public Health England (PHE) in West Africa and the UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  Public Health England
  
  
  RESULTS
  The epidemic has been a humanitarian crisis for the three worst affected countries. PHE contributions have included expertise in outbreak control and microbiology services in West Africa, and UK preparedness for an imported case.
  
  
  RESULTS
  National and international systems require change to enhance the response to the next international public health crisis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Legacy planning following the epidemic will be crucial, supporting the recovery of the health and public health systems in West Africa and ensuring that the knowledge gained during this outbreak is put to best use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ongoing PHE-associated research includes efforts to understand the pathogenicity of Ebola virus disease, improve diagnostic capability, explore therapeutic options and develop new vaccines.
authors.affiliation: Public Health England, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UG, UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moll
authors.affiliation: Public Health England, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UG, UK sian.reece-loram@phe.gov.uk.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Reece
authors.affiliation: Public Health England, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UG, UK.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cosford
authors.affiliation: Public Health England, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UG, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kessel
mesh_terms: D000354:Africa, Western / Q000453:epidemiology; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000458:organization & administration; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D004739:England; D058872:Epidemics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006282:Health Personnel; D019142:Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Ebola; Ebola virus disease; Public Health England; West Africa; public health; viral haemorrhagic fever