African nations hit by the Ebola need international help urgently to combat the epidemic, a top union leader has said.
A solidarity appeal from ITUC-Africa general secretary Kwasi Adu-Amankwah explains the desperate challenge facing affected countries. “Many of us are concerned that our brothers, sisters and governments in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia are battling the Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) that is sweeping ferociously and wreaking havoc across these countries and has caused an unprecedented public health crisis in Africa. As of 24 October 2014, a total of 12,008 suspected cases and 5,078 deaths had been reported.”
The appeal from the ITUC-Africa head adds: “Health workers who are the first line of defence against the EVD have been the most affected and continue to be in danger of contracting the virus in the course of discharging their professional duties. So far, over 200 health workers have died and many are infected. We salute their sense of duty, bravery and sacrifice.”
But the union leader’s appeal warns there are “deep cracks” in the African public health system, with the standard of health care actually deteriorating in many African countries.
“The very high Ebola fatality rates in West Africa have been attributed in part to the lack of adequate intensive care facilities and personnel to administer healthcare,” it warns.
The appeal says ITUC-Africa is joining with the governments of Ebola-affected countries “to ask that the world wakes up, listen and contribute actions to help stop this pandemic that is cutting lives short and torpedoing the dreams of many in the affected communities…
“We are therefore appealing to you, your organization and community to join us in our effort to mobilise material and financial donations to assist our brothers and sisters in these affected communities.”
EBOLA CRISIS FUND: Donations can be sent to CSI-Afrique, Centre Fopadesc , Agoe, Lome, BP: 4401- Togo. Bank Account: 7080161408998902 with Ecobank. Swift code: ECOCTGTG. When sending please indicate “Ebola Crisis Fund”.