Implementation of a National Semen Testing and Counseling Program for Male Ebola Survivors — Liberia, 2015–2016

Weekly / September 16, 2016 / 65(36);963–966

Summary
What is already known about this topic?
Persistence of Ebola virus in semen of survivors of Ebola virus disease (Ebola) was documented before the 2014 outbreak in West Africa; however, the duration of viral persistence continues to exceed previous estimates. To prevent sexual transmission of Ebola, semen testing services have been established in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. What is added by this report?
In 2015, the first nationwide semen testing and counseling program for male Ebola survivors, the Men’s Health Screening Program, was established in Liberia. Challenges in establishing and operating the program included securing sufficient resources for the program, managing a public health semen testing program in the context of ongoing research studies also collecting and screening semen, identification of adequate numbers of trained counselors and appropriate health communication messages for the program, overcoming Ebola survivor–associated stigma, identification and recruitment of male Ebola survivors, and operation of mobile teams. Approximately 80% of enrollees have graduated from the program.

What are the implications for public health practice?
Engagement with the survivor community, communication, and flexibility were important to the success of the program. Lessons learned during the establishment of the MHSP in Liberia might inform the planning and implementation of future semen testing programs for other sexually transmissible diseases.

Suggested citation for this article: Purpura LJ, Soka M, Baller A, et al. Implementation of a National Semen Testing and Counseling Program for Male Ebola Survivors — Liberia, 2015–2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:963–966. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6536a5