Ebola: West Africa needs more help

Liberian Ambassador Lois Brutus says there is a growing awareness of Ebola throughout the world but West Africa needs a lot more help to contain the disease. Image: Liberian Trend Setters

She said African countries have also sent money and other donations to Liberia and other affected countries as a means helping the countries fight the disease.

"The government of the Republic of South Africa has also committed to send a number of medical supplies, medical doctors and NGOs to Western African countries," she said.

Brutus was speaking at a media briefing on last week in Kempton Park. She was joined by other ambassadors and South African Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi following a meeting they had over the Ebola Response Fund, which was set up by South Africa to mobilise the business community to make donations to affected countries in West Africa.

Brutus said while support was a bit slow in the beginning, it has since gained momentum. "The world has recognised that the virus is an epidemic and a threat to global security," she said.

Awareness growing, more help needed

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says South Africa is doing what it can to help West Africa through the Ebola Response Fund. Image: GCIS

She said the South African government has been very active in making people aware of the virus. A military group from America is also in Liberia to help hospitals in that country contain the disease.

The Guinea Ambassador to South Africa, Mamadi Camara, said his country has also received a lot of support from South Africa and other countries across the globe, including hospital equipment and monetary support.

"People are still dying in our country. What we need is massive and fast support to save lives," he said.

Motsoaledi said while South Africa has not banned people from travelling from countries in West Africa, they are closely monitoring developments all points of entry.

The Minister said there are still no Ebola infections in South Africa. He stressed, however, that health care workers are ready to deal with any case of infection.

The Ebola epidemic is the largest in history, affecting a number of countries in West Africa and killing over 4,000 people.