Joint Statement of the Ethiopia Academy of Sciences (EAS) and the Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA) on the Current Situation of Ebola Virus Disease Released: November 19, 2014 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia The Ebola epidemic that was reported in a few localized countries has now become a matter of increasing concern worldwide. According to the November 14, 2014 WHO report, there have been 14,413 reported Ebola cases in eight countries since the outbreak began with 5,177 reported deaths. Case incidence continues to increase in Sierra-Leone and transmission remains intense in in Guinea and Liberia. A total of 4 cases, including 3 deaths have been reported in Mali. The Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS) and the Ethiopia Public Health Association – (EPHA) jointly express their solidarity with the people and nations of Western African counties severely affected by Ebola epidemic. This is a sad moment to some of the families that have lost their beloved because of sudden death associated with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). We also recognize the huge impact of the epidemic exerts in dismantling social and economic fabrics of the affected countries. We are aware of the live saving efforts taken by health workers at various levels to provide the required care, including emotional and psychological support to patients affected by EBV. Their audacity and unreserved commitment to their profession in face of a highly contagious and fatal disease is being admired and need to be duly recognized. EAS and EPHA acknowledge the Government of Ethiopia for rapidly acting on Ebola domestically and regionally by showing dedication and commitment with the rest of the international communities in an effort to prevent and control the epidemic in affected countries. Supporting these counties financially and mobilizing Ebola prevention task force to send in countries most affected by Ebola was some of the swift measures taken by the Government of Ethiopia that has got admiration globally. While appreciating the health workers volunteered to go to the affected areas, we have to sensitize the community they live with to avoid stigmatization upon their return and also ensure their safety is maintained in their work places, procedures and protocols maintained while traveling back and forth from these countries. We strongly believe that awareness creation is one of the major strategies to prevent the spread of Ebola and combat the epidemic. In this regard, as EAS and EPHA will continue to avail themselves to the general public, the Federal Ministry of Health and other concerned institutions including international NGOs and CSOs will continue to collaborate on health promotion and education campaigns to sensitize and educate health workers, families and the general public as a whole, particularly those at a risk in contracting the infection. We do recognize that this must be done to encourage decisions and actions based on facts and evidences and in manner that will not spread unnecessary fear and panic among the community. We feel much work has to be done in raising the awareness of the community by developing health education and sensitization programs targeting different audiences using different channels including the social media and distribution of materials in different languages need to be widely circulated in the community. The Ethiopia Academy of Sciences and EPHA will continue encourage scientists, professional groups and innovators to scale-up their work on Ebola to fill the gap in knowledge and technology by unraveling the nature of disease, and enhancing vaccine development and treatment modalities based on science and evidences thereof. EAS and EPHA will continue informing, sensitizing and educating their membership on Ebola. Measures need to be strengthened promptly to ensure preparedness in terms of surveillance, case detection, diagnostic capacity, emergency response, provision of appropriate medical care, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting systems. Provision for medical care and intervention should to be taken side by side with human catastrophe and disaster (hazard) management. Health facilities at all levels should be ready to provide awareness ,to mobilize the community and other stake holders to handle emergency situations. All concerned government and non-government organizations including CSOs have to speak out with a collective voice for collaborative efforts to combat Ebola. Professional associations and CSO need to work hand in hand with the government in the national effort to intensify the prevention activities and control measures. Strengthening public health systems, including by allocating budget for emergency preparedness needs special consideration. EAS and EPHA appreciate the financial and technical support initiated by WHO, WFPHA/AFPHA, Australian Public Health Association and some bilateral agencies as part of their solidarity with Ebola affected countries. We at EAS and EPHA are ready to contribute to the national effort by soliciting the required professional expertise and provide technically support as the need arises. We also take this opportunity to call upon other professional associations, development partners, and all other stakeholders to get involved in the national effort to express their solidarity and collective response to Ebola. LET US PREVENT EBOLA!!
Posted on: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 07:39:23 +0000
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