ASEOWA Guinea- Epidemiologists in the Field

Wednesday 26th November, 2014 – The African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA), has deployed epidemiologists into communities to enhance contact tracing efforts in Guinea. These expert volunteers coming from several African countries are now in six prefectures in Guinea, namely; Kouroussa, Faranah, Kankan, Kérouane, Nzérékoré and Siguiri.

According to the ASEOWA Deputy Head of Mission, Dr Aguide Soumouk, “The main objective is to break the chain of transmission of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Their deployment is meant to strengthen systems to identify persons who may have come in contact with EVD cases and follow them up for twenty one days. Those who manifest signs and symptoms of EVD will then be isolated to stop the spread of the disease in the community.”

The ASEOWA epidemiologists are also expected to develop capacity of local staff for disease surveillance and response. This deployment happens at a crucial moment as 2,147 persons have so far been infected withEVD since the epidemic started in Guinea, with 1,266 lives lost, as of 24th November, 2014, according to the National Coordination Cell in the fight Against Ebola.

The head of the ASEOWA Mission in the region, General Dr. Julius Oketta, in his recent visit to Conakry, Guinea, on November 17th, 2014, briefed the team about the objectives of the mission and the role they are expected to play in order to stop this deadly disease.

For more information, visit http://www.au.int

For further information contact

Wynne Musabayana | Deputy Head of Division | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: MusabayanaW@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int|Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

Paschal Chem-Langhee,
Public Information and Communication Officer,
The African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA),
Conakry, Guinea.

About the African Union

The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision:to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peacewith itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable,efficient and responsive Commission. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en/