After 17 months of ebola in Sierra Leone, Saturday 7th November saw Dr. Anders Nordstrom, the World Health Organisation Country Representative declaring the country free of ebola after the country completed 42 days of two incubation cycles of the virus.
“Since Sierra Leone recorded the first ebola case on the 24th May 2014, a total number of 8,704 people were infected and 3,589 have died. From those who tragically lost their lives, 221 of them were healthcare workers. We remember them all today.”
The WHO rep said the country is now moving into a new phase of 90 days enhanced surveillance which will run until 5th February 2016. Dr. Nordstrom averred that this new phase is critical as their goal is to ensure a resilient zero and that they can detect and respond to any potential ebola flare ups. “This period is about ensuring that we can consolidate the gains of existing systems to manage future risks.”
In a happy mood, President Ernest Koroma said today (Saturday) marks the end of ebola in the country. “I am deeply humbled by what the ebola workers have done as they have succeeded in winning the battle that started over 17 months ago.”
To commemorate all those who lost their lives during the course of the outbreak and the eradication of the epidemic, the president have set aside the 21st November as a nationwide thanksgiving service day at the National Stadium to commence at 10am.
President Koroma said as he traversed the entire country, the ebola workers gave him the zeal and courage as he saw what they were doing and he vowed to end the scourge no matter what.
“I am here today as your Head of State to tell you that collectively we have prevailed over this evil virus. We persevered and we have overcome the challenge that wanted to destroy our very existence in the country. We had to change the way we grew up, caring for the sick, respecting our dead and the affection we show when greeting one another.”
President Koroma said Sierra Leone had no knowledge of this disease and at the beginning there were lots of mistakes made, but now the president says people of Sierra Leone, the health workers all know about the disease and if there is any relapse they will be able to end it quickly.
Also, President Koroma told the people of Sierra Leone that on the 18th of November 2015, will be observed as national ebola day. He also said because the virus has ended, the State of Emergency will end as the process is on to lift it by the Parliamentarians.
He thanked the Chief Executive Officer of National Ebola Response Centre and his dedicated staff and all the religious leaders, paramount chiefs and all those who helped to end the virus. “You all are heroes and this end would not have come without all what you did.”
Dr. Anders Nordstrom said WHO will maintain an enhanced staff presence in the country as the response transitions from outbreak control to support, enhanced vigilance and to the recovery of essential health services.
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