Users can search by topic, by category, or by the type of post: field notes, briefing, etc. Rapid Questions can also be asked, which are typically answered within 72 hours.
Data comes in post form, with the titles and a small blurb and you can click for the whole article. There are tags for each post and they are sorted into folders/categories as mentioned previously.
The platform has posts that are tagged with varios topics, and each is under one of the following categories: identifing and diagnosing, mananging the dead, caring for the sick, research/clinical trials, preparedness, comminication and engagement. There are field notes, briefings and guides, and background types of posts. These filters allow someone to quickly search for a topic and a type of post so that they can find what they need and read up on a topic before they may be faced with a similar situation. If you have information you want to post, you can email in and they will post it.
It is part of the ebola response, but does not disclose any sources of funding.
The system may be difficult without internet, downloading every article could be tedious. If there aren't any articles that are tagged with what the user is looking for, that would also be difficult.
There are several "platform steering group members" that are listed as members of the site. There are also some anthropologists from the Institute of Development Studies, as well as members from other universities.
It uses RSS, and shows some coding that an individual with any coding background would likely understand. I have absolutely no coding experience.
The web platform was made for socail scientists and ebola control workers, so that they had a way to communicate, share stories, and review information from other cases. They also serve as an advisor in this way, for the responders as well as volunteer organizations going abroad to help.