What can be learnt from Ebola about the dangers of the global health security approach?

The current outbreak of Ebola that has been raging out of control for over 1 y in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has brought back painful memories from West Africa about the dangers of the global health security approach. Drawing on the author’s personal experience of working as a medic in both outbreaks, this article reflects on the challenges of responding to the disease inside a global health security framework. Insights and recommendations are made as to how the global health community can contribute towards gaining better control of Ebola both now and in the future.