ADDIS ABEBA.— The President of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Carlos Lopes, highlighted the work of Cuban doctors at the forefront of the fight against the Ebola epidemic affecting the continent.
During a meeting to present the results of a study by the organization on the socioeconomic impact of Ebola in Africa, the delegations from Liberia and Sierra Leone also thanked Cuba, according to diplomatic sources.
The study by the Economic Commission for Africa reflects the strong impact of the current Ebola epidemic on the economies of affected countries as well as the terrible social consequences.
The research notes that the total cessation of teaching at all educational levels, hysteria in the population, the fear of receiving medical care and stigmatization on the part of other African countries, whose tendency is to isolate, are among the more severe problems identified.
The study also warns of the lack of preparation and education of the population to encourage preventive actions and good health in general.
It also points to the need for qualified and specialist personnel to contribute to that end.
For his part, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon stated on Monday that during his recent trip to West Africa he had noted the progress made in fighting the disease and the importance of maintaining vigilance.
Speaking to the press regarding his visit to Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali and Ghana, Ban highlighted that in many places the transmission rate was reduced and other areas considered “hotspots” had not reported new infections for weeks, according to Prensa Latina.
Moreover, where safe burials have been conducted together with isolation strategies and patient care, as well as the identification of possible contacts, the results have been favourable.
During his tour, Ban thanked the leadership of the local authorities and the support of the international community, whom he urged not to ease their efforts.
The goal must be to reach zero cases as, “we have witnessed how just one case can trigger an epidemic,” Ban said in reference to the virus which has caused 7,400 deaths and 19,000 infections, mainly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leon.
The Secretary General called on the world to increase support for the affected nations, who require more doctors and nurses, resources and logistics.
