Fighting Ebola: a warm no-handshake reception in Ebola-affected countries

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October 23, 2014

Press Release Nº 289/2014

Fighting Ebola: a warm no-handshake reception in Ebola-affected countries

Freetown, Sierra Leone – 23 October 2014: On day two of their visit to the Ebola-affected countries, African Union Commission Chairperson HE Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, accompanied by UN Economic Commission for Africa’s Executive Secretary Dr. Carlos Lopes, came face to face with the fight against the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease, as they touched down at the Sierra Leone’s Lungi international airport.

They were greeted with no handshakes. Officials bowed, in gentle reverence as they ushered the guests and members of the delegation, one after the other, to wash their hands with chlorine water and had temperatures taken with infrared thermometer.

This safety procedure is repeatedly performed at every enterance and exit of public building. It is the same for arrival and departure at airports in Sierra Leone and Liberia, which they visited on Thursday 23 October 2014.

Meeting with Sierra Leone’s President H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma, some cabinet Ministers and Parliament in the morning, and later in the afternoon with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, their determination and resilience to fight ebola was evident. Their implementation plans were on course, but the resources and coordination still remain critical challenges.

In turns, Dr. Dlamini Zuma briefed them on her efforts to mobilise massive medical personnel and get the airlines flying in and out of the affected countries. “After deploying AU Volunteers, we have written to the Heads of State, asking them to volunteer more human resources. Some of them have started responding, while we are still waiting for others to respond. Already, the East African Community have pledged about 600, while the DRC is ready to send about 1000, beginning with a batch of 200. And we are convening on 8th November a meeting of business people on the continent to discuss and agree on how they can engage in this now, and even after Ebola. I have also spoken to the CAF Executive, and the artists. Everyone must play a role.” She told Sierra Leone’s President.

President Koroma hailed the AUC Chairperson’s efforts. “The approach you have taken is most welcome. Human resource is an area that has been lacking. Because of the spread, the more fighting centres are available, the better. And offers from Member States are most welcome, given that they have the field experience.”

Sierra Leone’s President laid emphasis on the urgent need to lift the travel restrictions and resume commercial flights. “Your visit will send signals that people can come in and leave without carrying the virus,” he told the delegation. He noted the devastating impact that the travel restrictions are having on the economy and social life, and even in the post-Ebola period. He stressed the need for the international community to press for movement in and out of the region.

The AUC Chairperson also briefed them on her shuttle diplomacy in getting the the airlines to fly again, as well as getting countries to grant landing rights. France, the UK and the US have pledged to provide support with screening facilities at the ports of entry and departure, to step up already existing facilities.