Global alliance in fight against Ebola is the only answer

30 October 2014 - 02:01 By The Times Editorial
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Small but important inroads are being made in checking the seemingly relentless march of Ebola in parts of West Africa.

The World Health Organisation announced yesterday that Liberia - the country worst-hit by the epidemic - might, for the first time, be registering a decline in the spread of the virus.

Stressing that the battle was far from over, WHO assistant director-general Bruce Aylward said the international response was making a difference in Liberia: ''We are seeing a slowing rate of new cases, very definitely.''

Barely a month ago the deadly virus, which causes fever and internal bleeding, appeared to be spreading exponentially.

Despite the glimmer of hope in Liberia, the number of cases in neighbouring Sierra Leone continues to increase in some areas, including in Freetown, the capital.

Stopping Ebola's spread, promises to be a protracted, dangerous struggle. Since the start of the outbreak, in Guinea, in March, Ebola has claimed around 5000 lives and infected many thousands of people.

But the pinpricks being registered against it are beginning to add up.

Earlier this month, thanks to the excellent efforts of health workers and security services, Nigeria was declared Ebola-free. The disease was brought into the country by a diplomat in July.

There was more good news yesterday when health officials from the US joined their counterparts from 31 countries at an Ebola conference in Cuba, America's long-time foe.

President Barack Obama last month ordered the deployment of more than 1300 military personnel to the Ebola zone, and Cuba has sent scores of doctors and nurses there. Soon, health workers from the two countries will be fighting the spread of the virus side by side.

As the world ratcheted up its response, South Africa said last month that it would set up a fully staffed field hospital for Ebola patients in Sierra Leone, and send equipment and medical supplies to Guinea.

This virus can be beaten if the world stands together.

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