Sadc calls Ebola meeting

Lethokuhle Moyo Chronicle Reporter
SADC health ministers are expected to hold a one- day emergency meeting in South Africa today to strategise on ways of dealing with the deadly Ebola virus in case of an outbreak in the region.So far the virus is confined  to West Africa where 1,603 cases have been recorded, killing 887 people since March this year.

According to a statement released by the Sadc secretariat, the meeting will also be attended by World Health Organisation officials and other technical partners.

“The main purpose of the meeting is to bring together Ministers of Health and key stakeholders to build a consensus on appropriate strategic action(s) to prevent the introduction or spread of the Ebola virus in the Sadc region,” said the secretariat.

“The emergency meeting will also provide a forum for the region to share technical experiences on the Ebola virus disease (EVD) so that the region remains vigilant and comes up with common understanding regarding the containment of the EVD in case of an outbreak and to agree on a strategy for accelerated operational response.”

The Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr David Parirenyatwa, who is the incoming vice chairperson of the Sadc health ministers, could not be reached for comment immediately.

However, last week Dr Parirenyatwa said Zimbabwe was on alert and had put in place measures to deal with the deadly virus in the event of an outbreak.

He added that the country was monitoring the situation at all its ports of entry, including airports.

Dr Parirenyatwa said the country was in no immediate danger of the Ebola epidemic.

There is neither a cure for the disease nor a vaccine to prevent infection. The only treatment available is to keep the patient hydrated as would be the case with any fever.