The death toll from the Ebola virus in West Africa has exceeded 10,000 since the first reported case in December 2013. While there has been a substantial decline of new Ebola cases, it is not yet under control. The Ebola outbreak suggests that defenses against such epidemics, although upgraded since SARS in 2003, need to be strengthened further — and satellite applications have an important role to play.
Mobile laboratory B-LiFE uses genetic analysis techniques to precisely identify the presence of biological agents that cause the Ebola disease. B-LiFE is a public, private and academic collaboration between SES, the European Space Agency (ESA), and several partner organizations.
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Connectivity
The effectiveness of the diagnosis of the B-LiFE laboratory is dependent on real-time communication by satellite. Eutelsat is also providing satellite connectivity for medical staff and volunteers in West Africa. SES has launched an Ebola-focused education channel, “Fight Ebola,” which is broadcast via satellite across West Africa.
International Charter
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international emergency for the epidemic in August 2014, and a couple of months later, the International Charter for Space and National Disasters was activated to assist with the response to the disease.
The successful use of satellite technology in combatting Ebola no doubt means that it will be increasingly used in the future to fight public health emergencies. VS
Joanne Wheeler is a partner at international law firm Bird & Bird.
