Regional pact to halt spread of Ebola

Asean yesterday announced cooperation with China, Japan and South Korea in tackling the spread of the deadly Ebola virus, which has killed more than 6,500 people in mostly Africa but has spread fear that the world could be hit by an epidemic. 

Thai Public Health Minister Dr Rachata Rachatanavin said the measures agreed yesterday aimed at efficiently preparing and responding to Ebola at the national, regional and global levels.

“The meeting is another step that helps the ten Asean member states plus China, Japan and South Korea to join forces to address the threat posed by the Ebola virus, just as we succeeded in containing the Sars and Avian Flu outbreaks in the past,” he said.

The declaration consists of four types of regional collaboration including disease prevention and control, strengthening cooperation response mechanisms, establishing hotline communications between health ministers, and increasing research and studies on emerging infectious diseases. 

It highlighted the need for every country to have a strong surveillance system for travellers arriving from infected countries, while awareness must be raised by disseminating knowledge to the public relating to the Ebola virus.

Concerning global measures to assist Ebola affected counties, Ratchata said the Asean Plus. 

Three grouping aims to send medical equipment and personnel as well as provide financial assistance to West Africa to contain the outbreak.

 

Strengthen preparedness but don’t panic: Prayut

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha made crucial comments at the opening ceremony, saying the spreading virus was a “test” and a “lesson” for every country to strengthen preparedness and respond to the Ebola threat.

He added that it was vital people stay alert and not panic, otherwise cooperation between the government and people will be lost and would inevitably affect the country in many ways.

Meanwhile, World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Southeast Asia Poonam Khetrapal Singh said WHO fully supported the regional cooperation at every level. 

She added that raising awareness among the public and encouraging people to always be prepared are key to overcoming this deadly virus. 

South Korea’s Assistant Health and Welfare Minister Kwon Deok Cheol said the declaration has affirmed that the Asean Plus Three grouping had become “serious in protecting our region from Ebola” even though the area hasn’t be hit by the virus.

Since the beginning of the year, Ebola has killed more than 6,500 people, spilling from Guinea into its West African neighbours before causing the first-ever domestic infections outside Africa – two in the United States and one in Spain. News reports earlier speculated that some Asian passengers travelling from West Africa to the region might have contracted the disease, but no case has been confirmed so far.