Events
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February 18, 2015ASEOWA will Support Restoration of Public Health Services– ASEOWA Head of MissionASEOWA WILL SUPPORT RESTORATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES– ASEOWA HEAD OF MISSION
Wednesday 18th February, 2015 – The African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) has renewed its commitment to end the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Speaking from Guinea, the ASEOWA Head of Mission, Major General Julius Oketta said, “In the spirit of pan-Africanism and African solidarity, we are committed to saving lives. Our mission is to work selflessly with the governments and the populations of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone respectively until the World Health Organization (WHO) declares all the three countries free from the Ebola Virus Disease”. He added that, “ASEOWA will support the transition from the Ebola crisis into the post Ebola phase, restoring public health services and infrastructure in the affected countries”.
In addition to managing Ebola Treatment Units (ETU) in all three countries, the ASEOWA mission is training local clinicians, epidemiologists and other paramedical staff working towards the eradication of the epidemic. “We are also providing support on social mobilization and psycho-social issues, in order to remove resistance and win the hearts of communities”.
According to the Deputy Head of Mission in Guinea, Dr Aguide Soumouk, “The African Union is at the service of the Guinean government and population, and we are determined to work until there is no case of Ebola in the country”.
It must be noted that the African Union is co-managing the ETU in Coyah. According to Dr. Dally Muamba, based in Coyah, “We have discharged thirty (30) Ebola survivors since the opening of the treatment unit, on 31st December, 2014”. The African Union has also contributed two (2) air conditioners for the proper functioning of the laboratory in the ETU in Coyah.
Since November 2014, the African Union has deployed over one hundred and twenty medical and paramedical professionals in Guinea; many of whom are presently working in eleven prefectures across the country. On 17th February, 2015, the ASEOWA Head of Mission paid working visits to the Minister of Health and to the WHO representative in Guinea. He also visited the ETU in Coyah to give moral support to the health workers. “Continue to save lives and to stay safe”, he said, “We are proud to say that none of our staff has been infected since ASEOWA began its operations in affected countries in September 2014”.
For more information:
Wynne Musabayana | Deputy Head of Division | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: MusabayanaW@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int|Addis Ababa | EthiopiaPaschal Chem-Langhee,
Public Information and Communication Officer,
The African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA),
Conakry, Guinea.
Website: http://pages.au.int/ebola
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AUonEbola
Twitter: #AUonEbola, #UnitedAgainstEbola -
February 16, 2015HEAD OF ASEOWA AWARDED "DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER" IN LIBERIA AUC CHAIRPERSON PRAISES HIM FOR SELFLESS...
HEAD OF ASEOWA AWARDED "DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER" IN LIBERIA
AUC CHAIRPERSON PRAISES HIM FOR SELFLESS SPIRIT AND DEDICATIONAddis Ababa, Ethiopia 16 February 2015- The Head of the Africa Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) Major General Dr Julius Oketta has been awarded the Decoration of "DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER" (DSO) by Liberian President Mrs Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for his “dedication to duty and outstanding services rendered to the people and government of Liberia through ASEOWA”.
The award was given to Dr Oketta on 11th February in Monrovia on the occasion of the 58th Armed Forces Day Celebration under the Theme: "Enhancing the Capability of the Armed Forces of Liberia to Conduct Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations". Present at the ceremony were the Vice President, the Rt. Hon Speaker and members of the Liberian legislature, the Chief Justice, Ministers, Ambassadors and members of the Diplomatic Corps, Heads of Missions, Commanders of the US Army, General officers of the Armed Forces and citizens of Liberia.
Accepting the award and representing 2 Colonels from Ghana and Nigeria, and 3 American Generals who were also decorated at the same event, General Oketta praised the collective effort in fighting Ebola:
“Our collective actions under command and directions did matter, the collective military support to the civil authority in the on-going joint civil- military Ebola response, have bent history in the direction of African Union Solidarity and the unified collective international efforts, against the heinous attacks of Ebola virus against our people, the social fiber, the economy and the overall national security interest”.General Oketta recognized the roles played by the African Union through ASEOWA, the Liberian people, and the United Nations: “This award belongs not just to us. We do not stand here alone”, he stressed.
He also said the recognition would bring tremendous joy and encouragement to the Liberian people, “for whom we have a special responsibility in total solidarity, to support the government’s on-going efforts to liberate the people of Liberia, the Land of Liberty, from the bondage of the Ebola Virus Disease”.
Finally General Oketta said the award reinforces the belief that, with solidarity, the world can be a better place:
“With the great honor that you give us today, on this thrilling occasion, you re-enforce our firm belief that we can create a world much better than what we have done so far. Let's believe in our solidarity, capacity building, preparedness, collective responsibility and sacrifice, and make it happen”.General Oketta was appointed by AU Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma to head ASEOWA in September 2015. In her message of congratulations sent out on 13th February Dr Dlamini Zuma praised General Oketta’s “spirit of selflessness and the full dedication with which he leads the life-saving mission in the three countries affected by the Ebola Virus Disease”.
General Oketta has extensive experience in the coordination of military support to Ebola operations, gained from his work in his native Uganda. Working with the Commission’s Department of Social Affairs, which oversees the Commission’s Ebola response, and other departments of the AUC including the Directorate of Information and Communication, General Oketta has managed an 835 strong force of African health workers fighting to defeat Ebola in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. ASEOWA’s presence has greatly contributed to the reduction of deaths and infections.
For more information on the AU’s response contact:
Wynne Musabayana | Deputy Head of Division | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: MusabayanaW@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int|Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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February 12, 201523 South African health workers to be deployed to treat Ebola in Sierra Leone under ASEOWA
23 South African health workers to be deployed to treat Ebola in Sierra Leone under ASEOWA
Johannesburg, 12 February 2015: The African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA), in collaboration with the South African government, is sending 23 South African health workers to Ebola affected countries. The health workers, including 20 nurses, and three paramedics are expected to depart Johannesburg for Sierra Leone on Friday, 20 February 2015.
From 11th to 12th February, the health workers underwent 2 days of pre deployment training given by the African Union and Ministry of Health officials. On arrival in the affected countries, the health workers will undergo further intensive training for 2 weeks before embarking on their duties.
African Union Commissioner of Social Affairs, Dr Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko commended the South African government for sending health workers, saying that the 835 African medical personnel so far deployed by ASEOWA have impacted positively in reducing both new infections and deaths from Ebola.
“We are very proud that, together with the governments of AU member states, we are finding solutions to African challenges by Africans. By representing South Africa on the mission, you will also be representing the African Union and Africa in general. I am very sure that you will acquit yourselves very well and continue to make a positive impact.”This deployment is the second for South Africa, following an independent deployment on January 23. The first group is stationed at the Goderich Emergency Ebola Treatment Centre on the outskirts of Freetown, Sierra Leone. Since their arrival, the South Africans have already seen six discharges and lost two patients. One 36 year old man was a typical patient. He arrived with a confirmed Ebola diagnosis. He began treatment and then “crashed” as often happens, but treatment was successful. He recovered and was released, walking out on his own. The youngest patient so far has been a four year old boy. He has been moved from the ICU and is now recovering.
The healthcare professionals stay in country for 6 months of service in AU supported treatment sites and when they return to South Africa they will undergo three weeks of observation before they can resume normal duties.
According to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, “Whilst thankfully Ebola cases are decreasing, the South African effort implemented by Right to Care and supported by South African business and the African Union are able to address Ebola ‘fatigue’. South Africa’s involvement which began last year has been extensive and has included mobilising both a domestic response to prevent the entry of Ebola into South Africa as well as an external health and humanitarian assistance programme to support affected countries. The Department of Health mobilised cash and in-kind contributions amounting to almost R60 million. This has included setting up a NICD diagnostic laboratory which has tested more than 6000 specimens of those suspected of Ebola infection. The laboratory teams rotate every 5 weeks and are also training local personnel. We have also provided 16 000 protection suits and we have sent ambulances, scooters, drugs, generators, autoclaves for sterilisation and food.
Minister Motsoaledi concluded “South Africa can be very proud of our courageous health care workers and all those that have supported the Ebola response, as they assist fellow Africans to win the fight against Ebola.”
According to Prof Ian Sanne of Right to Care, “Team South Africa are on duty for long shifts each day; some of the time in full protective clothing and other times working in the lab or fulfilling other duties. They are learning to treat a highly infectious disease effectively. The knowledge they gain will be useful in knowing how to better treat other crisis outbreaks.”
African Union Director of Social Affairs, Dr Olawale Maiyegun summarised the ASEOWA intervention as follows: “the most important and effective intervention with significant impact is the decreasing cases. ASEOWA has made a huge difference. Before their intervention, Ebola was chasing us, thanks to ASEOWA, we are now chasing Ebola. It is just a matter of time, Ebola shall be defeated.”
As part of its obligations to the health workers, ASEOWA will provide the medical professionals with an allowance, full training, insurance and housing and will take care of them should they contract Ebola. FirstRand Bank (FNB) has committed to paying for transport, flights and transfers for this medical intervention.
There are four partners working on South Africa’s response to Ebola under the leadership of the Department of Health. They are Right to Care which has an MoU with the Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone, the Wits Health Consortium which is overseeing and managing funds from the private sector on behalf of the Department of Health and the NICD which has set up labs in Sierra Leone, is providing training and has a number of staff there.
The current deployment is being undertaken under the African Union’s Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA). The African Union will maintain the health workers on the ground till the countries are declared Ebola free. ENDS
For more information:
Wynne Musabayana
Deputy Head of Communication and Information
African Union Commission
E mail: MusabayanaW@africa-union.orgJoe Maila
Ministry of Health: Spokesperson
Mobile: 082 887 3581
Email: mailaj@health.gov.za or health.spokesperson@gmail.com
Twitter: @mjmaila@HealthZaMichelle K Blumenau
Right to Care
T 011 728 5004 /083 273 9891
michelle@turquoisepr.co.za -
February 05, 2015FACT SHEET: AFRICAN UNION RESPONSE TO THE EBOLA EPIDEMIC IN WEST AFRICA, AS OF 1/26/2015
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February 03, 2015Timeline of AU Response to the Ebola Outbreak
Timeline of AU Response to the Ebola Outbreak
17 April 2014 1st African Ministers of Health Meeting in Luanda, Angola issues communique
July 30 PRC agrees to hold special sessions on Ebola. This paved the way got the meeting of the Executive Council
August 2014 $1, 000 000 is released from AU’s Special Emergency Assistance Fund for Drought and Famine in Africa
8 August WHO declares Ebola a public health emergency of international concern.
18th August Information sharing session held between the AUC and the PRC and partners
19 August Peace and Security Council meets- authorizes immediate deployment of AU-led Military and Civilian Humanitarian Mission
20 August ASEOWA is formed
25 Aug-5 Sept AU team carries out evaluation/ assessment mission to three Ebola affected countries, and Senegal
5 September AUC staff members donate $100,000
8 September Emergency session of the Executive Council on Ebola held to adopt a common position and define appropriate strategies to enable Africa to effectively combat the Ebola epidemic
15 September ASEOWA head of mission arrives in Liberia
18 September UN Security Council declares Ebola a threat to international peace and security
19 September First ASEOWA team of 19 arrives Liberia
24 September Chairperson addresses special session on Ebola at the UN General Assembly
28 September- 14 October DSA Commissioner visits Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone
19 September UN General Assemby approves resolutions creating the UN mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER)
23-25 October AUC Chairperson visits affected countries
2 October ASEOWA team of 27deployed to Liberia and Sierra Leone
31 October ASEOWA volunteers deployed to eight counties in Monrovia to start work
8 November African Business Roundtable on Ebola held and raises an initial USD31 million from the private sector and AfDB
9 November 3rd ASEOWA batch of 38 deployed mostly to Guinea
3 December 196 ASEOWA health workers deployed to affected countries from Nigeria
3 December SMS campaign and AfricaAgainstEbola website launched in Nigeria
16 December 187 Ethiopian health workers are deployed
26 December 82 health workers from the Democratic Republic of Congo are deployed
9 January 170 Kenyans leave Nairobi to join the ASEOWA team in the Ebola affected countries -
January 29, 2015United Nations- African Union Commission Working Session of Stakeholders on Ebola
MEDIA ADVISORY
UNITED NATIONS- AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION WORKING SESSION OF STAKEHOLDERS ON EBOLAWhat: UN- AUC Working session of stakeholders on Ebola
When: 29 January 2015 starting at 16:00. This will be a short opening session of ten minutes so media are advised to be prompt
WHO: The welcome remarks will be delivered by the AUC Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and a representative of the United Nations Secretary General
Where: African Union Headquarters, Small Conference Room 2
Media representatives are invited to cover the opening ceremony of the UN- AUC Working session of stakeholders on Ebola at 16:00 today.
For inquiries, contact:
Wynne Musabayana | Deputy Head of Division | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: MusabayanaW@africa-union.orgFor further information:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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January 27, 2015AU to launch Foundation, and introduce Ebola Solidarity Fund
Press Release Nº11/24th AU SUMMIT
AU to launch Foundation, and introduce Ebola Solidarity Fund
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 27 January 2015: The African Union (AU) will officially launch its foundation, the African Union Foundation on Friday, 30 January 2015 during the 24th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
The AU Foundation is being launched a year and half following a decision taken by the Heads of State in May 2013 to enable voluntary contributions towards the financing of priority areas of the African Union.
The launch will be taking place in the form of a roundtable discussion, attended by Heads of States and Foundation council members, who will be officially introduced.
Ahead of the launch, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma said, “it is time for Africa to mobilize its own resources in support of its development and take charge of its own destiny.”
The mission of the AU Foundation is to “mobilize resources in support of the African Union’s vision of an integrated, people-centered and prosperous Africa, at peace with itself and taking its rightful place in the world.” To accomplish this mission, the Foundation will focus on five key programme areas in its first five years:
1) Skills and human resource development,
2) Women’s empowerment and gender equality,
3) Regional integration,
4) Youth development and entrepreneurship, and
5) Advocacy and support for the African Union.The Foundation will strive to engage Africa’s private sector, African citizens, communities, and leading African philanthropists to generate resources and provide valuable insight on ways in which their success can accelerate Africa’s development. The issue of domestic and alternative sources of funding has been an intrinsic element of the continent’s commitments of the Pan African values of self-determination, solidarity and self-reliance.
Alongside the launch of the AU Foundation, the Africa Against Ebola Solidarity Fund will be introduced after its inception at the AU-Private Sector Business Roundtable held on 8 November 2014.
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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January 25, 2015ASEOWA Guinea – 12 Ebola Survivors at the AU run Ebola Treatment UnitASEOWA Guinea – 12 Ebola Survivors at the AU run Ebola Treatment Unit
Sunday 25th January, 2015 – Twelve persons have been healed of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following medical care at the African Union run Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) in Coyah, Guinea, so far. According to ASEOWA’s Dr Dalion Muamba, a clinician deployed to Coyah, “Seven other patients have also regained their health. They were however declared non-cases because they tested negative to EVD, although they had previously shown EVD symptoms”.
On Monday, 19th January, 2015, six EVD survivors and two non-cases were discharged. It was a ceremony of sorts as state authorities, inhabitants of Coyah, the media and others, joined the families of survivors to welcome their loved ones back into the communities. It was also an opportunity to denounce stigmatisation against Ebola survivors, and incidences of reticence and denial perpetrated in some communities.
To underscore the successes registered so far, the Coyah ETU was also visited by the ASEOWA head of mission, General Dr Julius Oketta. His visit coincided with that of the ministers of health and of communication in Guinea, together with Cuba’s ambassador to Guinea.L: Cuba’s Ambassador, M: Minister of Health , R: ASEOWA Head of Mission
In addition to clinicians and nurses at the ETU, ASEOWA has deployed epidemiologists and other paramedical staff to the Coyah prefecture. According to ASEOWA’s Dr Jacques Monkange, “Together with partners, we have trained four hundred and seventeen (417) youths in community sensitisation, from all four sub-prefectures in Coyah. We have also equipped them with flip charts to inform and to educate the population using the door-to-door mobilisation strategy”. As stated by General Oketta, “EVD begins with the community and ends with the community”, so the positive involvement of everyone is important to end this epidemic.
The Coyah ETU which is jointly run by the African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA), Cuban experts and other partners, opened on 31st December 2014. It is also a training centre. Reiterating the AUC Chairperson, H.E. Dr N.Dlamini Zuma’s goodwill message to all ASEOWA volunteers, General Oketta hinted that discussions are ongoing to transform the ETUs into full hospitals, thereby strengthening the public health system of affected countries in the post Ebola phase.L: ASEOWA Team in Coyah R: Head of Mission poses with Clinicians about to start work
For Further Information Contact: Wynne Musabayana | Deputy Head of Division | Information and Communication Division | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: MusabayanaW@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int|Addis Ababa | EthiopiaPaschal Chem-Langhee,
Public Information and Communication Officer,
The African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA),
Conakry, Guinea.
Website: http://pages.au.int/ebola
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AUonEbola
Twitter: #AUonEbola, #UnitedAgainstEbola -
January 08, 2015African Union and Kenya Sending 170 Health Workers to Ebola Affected Countries
Press Release Nº005/2015
AFRICAN UNION AND KENYA SENDING 170 HEALTH WORKERS TO EBOLA AFFECTED COUNTRIES
Nairobi, Kenya 8 January 2015- The general consensus among African leaders who addressed the official opening of the pre deployment training of 170 Kenyan health workers today, is that through solidarity, the continent will defeat the Ebola virus disease, that has so far claimed thousands of lives, mainly in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. The Kenyan contingent will be departing for the affected countries tomorrow, 9th January 2015.
The pre deployment and training workshop, held in the Kenyan capital cautiously welcomed the signs of decline in the rate of new infections in Liberia and expressed concern over the situation in Sierra Leone, which is now the most heavily affected. Calls were made for concerted efforts to rebuild health systems in Africa so that countries can cope with similar outbreaks in future. There was also a call to avoid complacency in the recovery period, which could see the infection rates going up again.
Speakers at the ceremony included Amb. Amina Mohamed, Kenyan Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Mr. James Macharia, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health; Amb Olawale Maiyegun, Director Social Affairs, African Union Commission; Dr De Kock of the American Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, and Dr. Khadijah Kassachoon, Principal Secretary in the Kenyan Ministry of Health.
The current Ebola virus disease outbreak, which first manifest in December 2013, is still killing people particularly in the three worst affected countries. The danger posed by the disease prompted the African Union to intervene by sending skilled human resources to treat victims as well as to carry out other associated tasks such as contact tracing, burials, decontamination, surveillance, social mobilization, community health education and psycho social support. 86 Africans joined the effort as individual volunteers between September and October 2014. They were followed by 197 Nigerians, 187 Ethiopians and 82 Congolese (DRC) in December. The 170 Kenyans now under training will greatly add momentum to an African Union and international effort that is starting to show positive result. Another 115 health experts from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have joined the African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA).
“We took the fight against Ebola to the frontline because we needed to fight it where it is. New infections are flattening out and we should soon start seeing a significant decline. We very much appreciate the solidarity shown by Africa in this fight” said Dr Maiyegun of the African Union’s Department of Social Affairs, who spoke on behalf of the Commission’s Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and its Deputy Chairperson Mr. Erastus Mwencha.
“The crisis happened in countries that were coming out of conflict and their health systems could not cope. Kenya pledged $1million to the fight against Ebola. Today we are sending 170 Kenyans to the Ebola frontline. As Africa, we are always stronger when we work together”, said Ambassador Amina Mohammed.
Dr James Macharia called the health workers heroes and offered further information on the severity of the current outbreak. “This outbreak has surpassed all other previous outbreaks put together 8 times over. The African Union has shown serious commitment and we appreciate this”, he told the health workers.
Tomorrow, 9th January, the Kenyan health workers will depart Nairobi for the affected countries after a short farewell session with national president Mr Uhuru Kenyatta. The African Union Commission’s Deputy Chairperson Mr. Erastus Mwencha will be present to witness the event as well as to sign the memorandum of understanding between the Kenyan government and the African Union.
You can support the African Union Support mission to Ebola to Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) on www.AfricaAgainstEbola.org or donate through sms on the short codes available in participating countries. Tweet and retweet: #AUonEbola. More information on ASEOWA is available on http://aseowa.au.int.
For more information on the AU response to the Ebola crisis and interview requests contact:
Wynne Musabayana | Deputy Head of Division | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: MusabayanaW@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int|Addis Ababa | EthiopiaFollow us
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January 02, 2015ASEOWA Guinea- Over 80 Health Workers from DRC to Respond to EVD OutbreakASEOWA Guinea- Over 80 Health Workers from DRC to Respond to EVD Outbreak
Friday 2nd January, 2015 – Eighty-one health (81) workers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have arrived in Guinea to fight against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic. The team comprises medical doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, epidemiologists, humanitarian, psycho-social and communication professionals who will work directly in the Ebola Treatment Units (ETUs) and in the communities across Guinea to support efforts already underway to stop the epidemic. They will also train local health workers on how to prevent and contain the Ebola virus.
This workforce from DRC which arrived in Guinea on Friday 26th December, 2014 has added to the forty three (43) health workers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and twenty-two (22) other volunteers from other parts of Africa who are already working in the country. All these groups are serving under the framework of the African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) - a continental response to end the EVD epidemic in Africa.
The ASEOWA mission in Guinea which now counts almost one hundred and fifty (150) professionals took effect in early November 2014. According to the ASEOWA Head of Mission, Major General Julius Oketta, “The ASEOWA mission will deploy over one thousand (1,000) health workers to all three affected countries, namely; Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Five hundred (500) of them will be deployed in Guinea”.
According to the ASEOWA Deputy Head of Mission in Guinea, Dr Aguide Soumouk, “ASEOWA is set to handle an ETU in Coyah, together with other partners. Our staff will also be deployed to work in other ETUs and communities in the country”.
Since the occurrence of the EVD outbreak, a total of 2,743 cases have been registered in Guinea, with 1,750 deaths as at 1st January 2015. Five ETUs, four laboratories and two transit centres are functional as of this date.For more information contact
Wynne Musabayana | Deputy Head of Division | Information and Communication | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: MusabayanaW@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int|Addis Ababa | EthiopiaPaschal Chem-Langhee,
Public Information and Communication Officer,
The African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA),
Conakry, Guinea.
Website: http://pages.au.int/ebola
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AUonEbola
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December 20, 2014African Union health workers and the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Health and Sanitation Discharge 35 Ebola Survivors
PRESS RELEASE
African Union health workers and the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Health and Sanitation Discharge 35 Ebola Survivors
Bombali, Sierra Leone, 20 December 2014: The African Union (AU) together with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation of Sierra Leone discharged 35 Ebola survivors from the Magbenteh Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) on 20th December. In a well-attended event that featured traditional leaders, District health leads, the Paramount Chief, the District Mayor and survivors’ family members, survivors were applauded for their bravery at beating the deadly disease. Speakers at the event gave credit to the AU for its brilliant performance in the coordination of the ETU, contributing to the number of Ebola survivors from the Bombali District.
The survivor discharge was the second of its kind from the Magbenteh ETU that was commissioned on the 16th of November 2014 and admitted its first of Ebola patients on the 24th of November 2014. On the 11th of November, the ETU discharged 24 patients adding up to a total of 64 survivors till date.
As part of the of the psychosocial support from the Ministry of Social Welfare Gender and Children’s Affairs (MSWGCA), survivors were presented survivor’s packages and counseled to be ambassadors in their various communities and help in the campaign that Ebola is treatable if cases are reported early enough and people desist from keeping sick persons at home.
The Magbenteh ETU has contributed to the reduction of Ebola death rate in the Bombali District and also increased the confidence of the community in getting treatment. As of 22nd of December 2014, Sierra Leone has recorded a total of 1326 Ebola survivors according to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.
For Further Information Contact: Wynne Musabayana | Deputy Head of Division | Information and Communication Division | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: MusabayanaW@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int|Addis Ababa | EthiopiaTemitope Famuyide, Humanitarian Affairs Officer
ASEOWA, Bombali, Sierra Leone
tpfamuyide@gmail.com +232 76796445 -
December 20, 2014Ethiopia launches Africa Against Ebola SMS fundraising Campaign using 7979 short codePRESS RELEASE Nº372/2014
ETHIOPIA LAUNCHES AFRICA AGAINST EBOLA SMS CAMPAIGN
Ethiopia using 7979 short code to raise fundsAddis Ababa, Ethiopia December 20, 2014: The African Union in collaboration with the Ethiopian Government launched the Africa Against Ebola Ethiopia SMS campaign today.
The campaign aims to involve African citizens to contribute in the fight against the epidemic and mobilise citizens across the continent to contribute in the fight against Ebola by texting “StopEbola” to the designated country code and donating. The funds raised will be used for the training and deployment of further ASEOWA personnel.
At today’s event, the African Union Commission also signed an MOU with Ethiopian telecommunications corporation as part of the resource mobilization efforts to support the ASEOWA operations in the fight against Ebola.
The Chairperson of the AUC H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in her opening remarks expressed her sincere gratitude to the Ethiopian Government and the private sector for joining the SMS campaign in the fight against Ebola. “We are especially grateful to the Government of Ethiopia because they have also sent a lot of their young women and men to the front line to work with their brothers and sisters in the three countries. Looking at the figures, Ethiopia has the biggest contingent on the ground, just above Nigeria” noted
H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. She also added that “this will encourage our partners outside Africa when they see we are taking a lead sending our young women and men, raising our own funds within our continent. It is encouraging to see that we are just not sitting here and doing noting waiting for people from outside to help and we hope that with this, we are able to make a difference in the fight against Ebola.”The Chairperson announced that the AU, under its African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa, now has just under 500 health workers fighting Ebola in the most affected countries of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone and that it expects to have 1000 soon.
Mr. Andualem Admassie, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Telecom in his speech said, “If we do not come together in coordinating and addressing the epidemic, it will not just be limited to the 3 countries it will ultimately affect all of Africa. Each and every African has to do what they can to reverse the effects of Ebola”, adding “Ethiopians and residents of Ethiopia can join the fight by contributing 5 birr by sending a text ’’StopEbola” to the short code for Ethiopia 7979”
Mr. Eyob Tolina, representing the Ethiopian private sector called upon the people of Ethiopia to take part in this campaign, and urged the business community to continue their pledge to participate in the Africa Against Ebola campaign.
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | EthiopiaFollow us
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