SADC Ebola meeting opens

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Ebola outbreak in W. Africa
Ebola outbreak in W. Africa

The second SADC Ministers extra-ordinary meeting on Ebola preparedness has opened in Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe.

Health Minister, Joseph Kasonde, is representing Zambia at the meeting that has attracted about ten health ministers from the SADC region, and representatives from the World Health Organisation.

Speaking during the official opening of the extra-ordinary meeting, Chairperson of the SADC Health Ministers Meeting, David Parirenyatwa says the Ebola epidemic is a wake-up call to SADC member states to strengthen their health systems.

Dr. Parirenyatwa who is also Zimbabwe’s Minister of Health, says there is need to strengthen the health systems in order to effectively handle any outbreaks.

He also says there is need to increase awareness and preparedness on Ebola, with effective and consistent communication to the general populous in the region being key.

And Health Minister of Botswana John Seakgosing says the seriousness of the Ebola risk must not only be shown on paper but through action.

Dr. Seakgosing says there is no time for complacency as the epidemic is fast spreading.

He says most actions or steps taken by member states should be uniform to achieve a common goal.

The first Meeting was held in Johannesburg South Africa on August 6th.

The ministers gathered to find appropriate strategic actions to prevent the introduction or spread of the Ebola to the SADC region.

ZNBC

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