IPs without Borders: CDC looking for a few good women (and men) to take the fight to Ebola in Africa

March 18th, 2015

For those both compassionate and incredibly brave at heart, there are some job openings in West Africa. Though beaten back into its cage in some areas, Ebola continues to find victims in others. Infection preventionists are being asked to help.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recruiting “motivated candidates with health, industrial hygiene, and program administration backgrounds to equip health systems in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia to stop the spread of Ebola in healthcare facilities, a major route of transmission,” the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology reports.

Stopping the spread of pathogens in health care facilities is the prime directive for IPs, some of which are no doubt already on the frontlines at the Ebola epicenter, trying to make a difference and maybe pull back a life or two out of the dust and blood. Of course, these health care facilities will not be up to the standards of hospitals in a Western industrialized society. The compensation package is not listed, but I don’t think anyone is going to get rich.

The CDC notes that “international experience preferred; training provided. Positions are based in Atlanta, Georgia with up to 50% West Africa travel. Duration depends upon Ebola response duration. For more information, including application links, contact [email protected]

It should also be noted with respect and remembrance that more than 350 health care workers have already fallen to slow Ebola’s advance. That raises the age-old question of whether one can be brave if they are afraid.

Some say, with author George R.R. Martin, “That is the only time they can be brave.”

Photo Credit: International Committee of the Red Cross