Following the re-emergence of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Liberia, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has enjoined the three most Ebola-affected countries – Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone – and neighbouring West African countries to build resilient health systems that can withstand another possible Ebola outbreak. Nigeria is one of the countries that have been advised to strengthen their health systems to forestall the resurgence of this dreadful disease. It will be recalled that no fewer than 17 people lost their lives to the EVD epidemic in the country last year.
The global health agency has warned countries in the sub-region that lack of functional health systems that can monitor the situation and quickly develop an integrated response may fuel the epidemic and pose huge problems to huge populations in Africa. Nigeria and the other vulnerable countries should, therefore, not discountenance the WHO timely warning and advice. They should do whatever is necessary to increase the capacity of their health systems to avert and respond to any outbreak of the disease.
This has become imperative considering the statement of the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, on the matter. Moeti contended that there may not be full recovery from Ebola without the strengthening of health systems in the affected countries. WHO also advised that the strengthening of health care financing will help Nigeria and other West African countries to build resistant health systems that can withstand another Ebola epidemic. Harping on this fact to underscore its importance, the WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems and Innovation, Dr. Marie-Paule Kieny, stressed that one big lesson the world has learned from the West African Ebola outbreak is that no one is immune from disease outbreaks. That is why WHO is calling for a workable health system in West Africa. In her words, “We need to ensure health systems everywhere can detect and treat emerging diseases and still keep their routine healthcare services up and running.”
Available statistics show that Liberia has budgeted $550 million but requires not less than $169.7 million to rebuild its health systems and provide services over the next 24 months.
In the same vein, Guinea has earmarked $1.176 billion but requires additional $386.5 million while Sierra Leone budgeted $361 million and is expected to raise another $140 million to meet its health needs. Right now, The International Union has promised a bailout funding of $5 billion for the three Ebola-affected countries while the World Bank Group will commit $650 million over the next 12-24 months to support recovery and development needs in these countries.
We call on Nigeria’s health authorities and those of other countries in the West African sub-region to adhere to WHO’s clarion call to strengthen their health systems. Nigeria, in particular, should intensify EVD checks at all our entry ports. This is the time to be alert and intensify public enlightenment programmes on the disease. There is also the urgent need to prevail on Nigerians to return to frequent washing of hands and application of sanitisers as was done during the Ebola crisis, but which has largely been jettisoned.
The search for drugs against the disease should also be intensified by local and international researchers until a cure is found. There is no need to become complacent on the Ebola disease because it could stage a comeback if adequate precautions are not taken to check its spread to Nigeria. Churches, mosques and other worship centres should put in place measures to prevent Ebola outbreaks and educate their members on the need for hygiene and cleanliness at all times.
However, it should also be reiterated that Ebola is not a death sentence. Nigeria has a good history of managing the disease, with many survivors from last year’s outbreak. Although Nigeria has been certified Ebola-free, it is necessary that we work towards maintaining that record by reverting to those health practices that helped us to overcome the epidemic. We must not allow a relapse.
Above all, Nigeria should assist Liberia and other West African countries affected by the disease with manpower training and other required support. Let us put everything in place to avert another Ebola outbreak in the country. The Federal, State and Local Government health authorities should work in concert to ensure we keep Ebola out of the country.
Averting another Ebola outbreak
Following the re-emergence of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Liberia, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has enjoined the three most Ebola-affected countries – Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone – and neighbouring West African countries to build resilient health systems that can withstand another possible Ebola outbreak. Nigeria is one of the countries that have been advised to strengthen their health systems to forestall the resurgence of this dreadful disease. It will be recalled that no fewer than 17 people lost their lives to the EVD epidemic in the country last year.
The global health agency has warned countries in the sub-region that lack of functional health systems that can monitor the situation and quickly develop an integrated response may fuel the epidemic and pose huge problems to huge populations in Africa. Nigeria and the other vulnerable countries should, therefore, not discountenance the WHO timely warning and advice. They should do whatever is necessary to increase the capacity of their health systems to avert and respond to any outbreak of the disease.
This has become imperative considering the statement of the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, on the matter. Moeti contended that there may not be full recovery from Ebola without the strengthening of health systems in the affected countries. WHO also advised that the strengthening of health care financing will help Nigeria and other West African countries to build resistant health systems that can withstand another Ebola epidemic.
Harping on this fact to underscore its importance, the WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems and Innovation, Dr. Marie-Paule Kieny, stressed that one big lesson the world has learned from the West African Ebola outbreak is that no one is immune from disease outbreaks. That is why WHO is calling for a workable health system in West Africa. In her words, “We need to ensure health systems everywhere can detect and treat emerging diseases and still keep their routine healthcare services up and running.”
Available statistics show that Liberia has budgeted $550 million but requires not less than $169.7 million to rebuild its health systems and provide services over the next 24 months.
In the same vein, Guinea has earmarked $1.176 billion but requires additional $386.5 million while Sierra Leone budgeted $361 million and is expected to raise another $140 million to meet its health needs. Right now, The International Union has promised a bailout funding of $5 billion for the three Ebola-affected countries while the World Bank Group will commit $650 million over the next 12-24 months to support recovery and development needs in these countries.
We call on Nigeria’s health authorities and those of other countries in the West African sub-region to adhere to WHO’s clarion call to strengthen their health systems. Nigeria, in particular, should intensify EVD checks at all our entry ports. This is the time to be alert and intensify public enlightenment programmes on the disease. There is also the urgent need to prevail on Nigerians to return to frequent washing of hands and application of sanitisers as was done during the Ebola crisis, but which has largely been jettisoned.
The search for drugs against the disease should also be intensified by local and international researchers until a cure is found. There is no need to become complacent on the Ebola disease because it could stage a comeback if adequate precautions are not taken to check its spread to Nigeria. Churches, mosques and other worship centres should put in place measures to prevent Ebola outbreaks and educate their members on the need for hygiene and cleanliness at all times.
However, it should also be reiterated that Ebola is not a death sentence. Nigeria has a good history of managing the disease, with many survivors from last year’s outbreak. Although Nigeria has been certified Ebola-free, it is necessary that we work towards maintaining that record by reverting to those health practices that helped us to overcome the epidemic. We must not allow a relapse.
Above all, Nigeria should assist Liberia and other West African countries affected by the disease with manpower training and other required support. Let us put everything in place to avert another Ebola outbreak in the country. The Federal, State and Local Government health authorities should work in concert to ensure we keep Ebola out of the country.
By: Sun News
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