UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, two days back from visiting Ebola areas of Africa, said today the disease remains an emergency but affected nations should “avoid travel restrictions, border closures and other counter-productive obstacles.”
Ban who visited Mali Guinea Liberia, and Sierra Leone last week and left from Ghana Saturday night, told reporters upon arrival at the UN headquarters, “My presence in the office today is meant to send an important message: where people show no symptoms, others should show no fear.”
He said, “Ebola caregivers should be praised, not shunned. People who have travelled to Ebola-affected countries and have no signs of infection, are no threat. I also repeat my call to avoid travel restrictions, border closures and other counter-productive obstacles. As we fight the Ebola virus, it is equally crucial to combat the contagion of fear.”
He said that during his visit he obeyed all the procedures, including frequent temperature checks and frequent hand washing with a chlorine solution.
Ban said, “During my visit, I saw the progress that is being made. The rate of transmission is slowing in many places. Where the strategy of isolation, treatment, contact tracing and safe burials is implemented, it is working. Some areas that were once hot spots, such as Lofa County in Liberia, have been free of Ebola for weeks.”
But, he said, “At the same time, I emphasized that despite inroads, Ebola remains an emergency and there can be no let-up in our efforts.”
United Nations/Unifeed TV