Ethiopian Health Workers to join ASEOWA in fight against Ebola

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 15th December 2014: Nearly 200 health and clinical workers from the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia will to join the African Union Support to the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) this week. The Ethiopian team is currently undergoing pre-departure training at the African Union Commission before they are deployed to the three most affected West African countries. The opening ceremony of the pre-departure training took place today, 15th December at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Addressing the opening ceremony on behalf of the AUC Chairperson, the AUC Commissioner for Social Affairs Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, expressed his appreciation to the Government of Ethiopia for contributing such a big number of health workers. Dr. Kaloko said Ethiopian health workers, coming from the base of African Union, will increase people’s confidence in ASEOWA and motivate the spirit of African solidarity. He said that this is the opportunity to correct doubts and show that Africa can stand together in times of need.
Dr. Kaloko also urged to the volunteers to give their best to the continent by serving their brothers and sisters in Africa who are suffering from the deadly Ebola virus which is challenging the well-being of the continent. “Remember this is also testing you, your behavior reflects the kind of activity you will be delivering; you will be representing the continent, so a lot is expected from you” said Dr. Kaloko.
The African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa is deploying medical and human resource capacities in response to the Ebola Virus Outbreak in West Africa. 380 African health workers are currently on the ground in the three worst affected countries of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. The Ethiopian health workers are being deployed as part of the African Union’s effort to deploy 1000 health workers to Ebola affected countries.

For Further Information on the AU response to the Ebola outbreak 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

For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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