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Herald Reporters
There is no Ebola virus disease in Zimbabwe and people must not panic as Government has put in place measures to contain the disease if detected, Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa has said.
He was speaking after receiving a donation of Ebola detecting equipment comprising heavy duty infrared thermo-scanners and four hand-held thermo-scanners for use at the Harare International Airport.
The equipment was donated by platinum miner, Mimosa.
“There are no Ebola cases in Zimbabwe at the moment. These misguided messages are causing unnecessary panic and fear among the population,” Dr Parirenyatwa said.
He commended Mimosa for the donation and urged other companies to do the same. Dr Parirenyatwa said Government established an Ebola Centre at the Wilkins Hospital and would be distributing material to educate the nation on the symptoms of the disease, which are almost similar to malaria and meningitis.
Mines and Mining Development Deputy Minister Fred Moyo urged the media to report correctly and educate people on the disease that has so far killed over 3 500 people in West Africa.
“I want to commend the media for responsible reporting. Media should not cause alarm and despondency,” he said.
Mimosa executive chairman Mr Winston Chitando, who presented the equipment to Dr Parirenyatwa, pledged to donate 100 more hand held thermo-scanners and other equipment worth US$100 000 for use at various ports of entry.
“As an organisation in the extractive industry where safety is key, we also run a national campaign aimed at extending our safety and well-being philosophy to the entire nation. It is under this initiative that we partnered the Ministry of Health and Child Care in the fight against Ebola, which is a huge challenge,” he said.
Online Reporter