Good news after four months of outbreak
Since the deadly outbreak of ebola in Africa that triggered global fear, the United States of America today said ‘real’ progress is cited with regards to reduction of more ebola cases.
In her remarks at a UN General Assembly in New York, Ambassador David Pressman for UN on Special Political Affairs said Liberia, which faced over 300 new confirmed cases per week in August and September, saw only eight confirmed cases earlier this month.
real progress across the board
According to Ambassador Pressman, four districts in Guinea that had previously reported Ebola cases – including Gueckedou, the origin of the epidemic – did not report any confirmed cases over the previous three weeks since the start of the year.
Even Sierra Leone who remains the worst-affected country, with new cases in 10 out of 14 districts and 59 cases per week in the capital alone, there are signs of hope as the surge of resources – more beds, more ambulances, more labs, and more health care workers – has led to a continued reduction in new cases.
In addition, in Mali which has contained two different transmissions of the disease was again declared Ebola free by the World Health Organization.
These three most affected countries are now starting to think about the post-Ebola phase, working on restoring vital services such as schools and non-Ebola medical treatment.
International efforts made difference
Citing that the ebola outbreak as international crisis as agreed by nations convened in the General Assembly four months ago, Ambassador Pressman said more than 60 countries have come together to provide $2.5 billion in support as part of that international response.
For the United States, it has put forward an unprecedented emergency military deployment and contributed hundreds of civilian personnel and close to $1 billion in humanitarian and medical assistance.
Ambassador Pressman acknowledged the continuing commitment by the international community to provide the resources and personnel needed to end thw outbreak, including the efforts by UNMEER and SRSG Ould Cheikh Ahmed to coordinate the international effort.
“We express our gratitude to the thousands of responders who have made our progress so far possible.” – Ambassador Pressman
During the worst times of the outbreak, tens of thousands of individuals, from the doctors and nurses and hygienists who staff ETUs, to the epidemiologists who trace the sources of transmission; from the peacekeepers who help preserve law and order to the UN and NGO workers who care for the Ebola orphans; have willingly and bravely joined in the unprecedented response in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.
Ebola Is Deadly And Fatal
The Ebola epidemic is the worst in world history, blamed for killing over 8,000 people across West Africa since the start of last year, mostly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ebola is a rare and deadly disease, aused by infection with one of the Ebola viruses. It is spread by direct contact with a sick person’s blood or body fluids and may also spread by contact with contaminated objects or infected animals. Spread of the disease through the air between primates, including humans, has not been documented in either laboratory or natural conditions. The Ebola virus could spread through contact with bodily fluids. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for Ebola, and up to 85 per cent of persons who get the disease, die. Symptoms include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat, and weakness, followed by diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. Skin rash, red eyes, and internal and external bleeding may be seen in some patients.
