Monrovia – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has called for the building of resilience in the healthcare system of the ebola-affected countries in the West African region.
She pointed out that this was necessary to ensure that the deadly Ebola virus disease and other infectious diseases do not resurface in sub-region. She said using the Liberian experience will help prepare the health sectors of the affected countries.
According to an Executive Mansion release, The Liberian leader made the statement on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at the Monrovia City Hall when she formerly opened a two-day Post-Ebola Conference.
President Sirleaf noted that reforms in Africa are achievable if the political momentum is built among African leaders and their peoples. She expressed optimism that the ongoing conference will accomplish the targeted outcomes if African states and their partners find solution to issues and matters related to sectors deliberated.
She maintained that the deliberations at the conference will to lead to results that will have global impact and will help protect the world from deadly infectious diseases.
For his part, Prime Minister Komi Sélom Klassou who proxy for Togolese President, Faure E. Gnassingbe appreciated the efforts of the three most affected West African Countries in defeating the virus and now strategizing to be prepared for future outbreaks.
He furthered that the deadly Ebola Virus disease devastated the economy of the three most affected countries, adding that it needs serious attention for recovery.
Mr. Klassou advised that the Sub-region collaborate and work together to develop a workable solution from the two-day conference that will inform positive decision-making.
He proposed the setting up of scientific institutional mobilization framework that will help with the prevention of Ebola and other diseases. Mr. Klassou congratulated President Sirleaf for her extraordinary leadership exhibited during the fight of the deadly Ebola.
Also making remarks, the Regional Director for United Nations Aids, Dr. Djibril Diallo called for combined regional efforts to eradicate the deadly Ebola Virus disease.
He pointed out that collaboration will help save the Sub-region from the traits of the virus and applauded President Sirleaf and others leaders of the affected countries for containing the virus.
Welcoming her colleagues, Minister, Dr. Bernice T. Dahn indicated that the conference is a signal to the world that there is now a great triumph over the deadly Ebola virus disease by affected countries in particular and West African Sub-region in general. She said issues surrounding International Health Regulation and data is a unique and collective view that should help inform key measurable actions.
“We all do know from experiences that the world tend to go into amnesia when calamities and epidemics are ended”.
She said the windows of opportunities for creating a vibrant Public Health system and a resilient Health system that build trust and partnerships with communities are rapidly closing. She thanked President Sirleaf for the leadership.
The Conference brought together the former President of Benin, Yaya Bonnie, and six Health Ministers from the affected countries in Africa along with UN and other international partners.
The Conference brings together health officials from the Ebola affected countries.