Ebola MSF criticize the West

Ebola: Doctors Without Borders criticize industrialized countries

08/31/2014

The number of people infected with Ebola in West Africa could increase to more than 20,000, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO). From the side of „Doctors Without Borders“ came now criticism of the industrialized countries. The aid organization wants to turn on the United Nations Security Council (UNO) in the fight against the plague.

Doctors Without Borders wants to engage the UN in the fight against Ebola
In the fight against the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, the aid organization Doctors Without Borders now wants to turn on the United Nations Security Council (UN). As the head of the French section of MSF, Mego Terzian, told Reuters, the plague could only be brought under control with a stronger and UN-coordinated engagement of the world community. Above all, European countries and the USA were to be induced by a UN resolution to become more involved in combating the deadly infectious disease. The global commitment remains too low as long as these two regions would be spared the epidemic.

Criticism of the behavior of industrialized countries
Terzian criticized the behavior of the industrialized countries: „Apart from numerous speeches and promises of financial help, nothing happened.“ For example, by advising African governments to close borders or cancel flights, they would have done even more damage. The situation is now so serious that it can not be brought under control either by MSF or by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the governments of the countries concerned. Therefore, the Security Council should address the problem and coordinate the fight against the epidemic with leading industrialized countries, which could also send doctors, logistics experts and other personnel - not least to ensure safety.

First Ebola case in Senegal
In connection with the epidemic and the measures on the other hand there had been occasional riots, for example in Liberia, where the police used tear gas against a crowd of people who wanted to break a quarantine imposed on a neighborhood. Or in Guinea, where riots were triggered by rumors that helpers had infected the population with Ebola. The Ebola epidemic started in Guinea in March and has since hit Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria and now Senegal. On Friday, Health Minister Awa Marie Coll-Seck confirmed the first case in the country. As the Minister announced, the first Ebola patient in Senegal was isolated in a hospital in the capital Dakar. It was said to be a 21-year-old student from neighboring Guinea.

Senegal serves relief organizations and the UN as a hub
According to Senegal's health minister, there was information from Guinea that a man under surveillance had disappeared and was possibly in Senegal. As a result, Senegal closed its border with Guinea last week to protect its own population against the plague. Senegal serves various relief organizations and also the UN as a hub for their operations in the western part of the Sahel. In addition, many companies are also conducting their business in West Africa from the country now affected by Ebola.

Over 1500 dead by Ebola
A few days ago, the first cases of Ebola in the Congo and the infection of an English medicine helper in West Africa became known. The British patient suffers from typical Ebola symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, nausea, internal and external bleeding. He was flown to London, where he is treated in a clinic. According to the WHO, the epidemic continues to spread. According to estimates, the number of infected persons could soon rise to more than 20,000. In the four countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria, a total of 3,069 confirmed and suspected cases were recorded by August 26, 1,552 people died. The mortality rate was estimated by the WHO with an average of 51 percent in West Africa. However, according to the organization, the actual numbers could be much higher than previously known. (Ad)