Speaking with: Lawrence Gostin on Ebola, the WHO and the future of global health

The recent Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa occurred in three of the poorest and least resourced countries in the world. And as Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia all struggled with the epidemic, it was clear a global response was needed to contain the disease.

But the response, led by the World Health Organization, has been widely criticised for being too slow and inadequate, and over 11,000 people have died from the epidemic.

While there is relief that the outbreak now seems contained, how will the world respond to the next global health crisis?

William Isdale spoke with Lawrence Gostin about the lessons we can learn from the Ebola epidemic and the future of global health.

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Music: Free Music Archive/Kai Engel - The Scope

Additional audio: ABS News (US), BBC News, CNN, ABC News (Australia)

William Isdale does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above.