African Union briefed on anti-Ebola efforts in affected countries

The 553rd meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) convened Wednesday for an update on the recent Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak and the recovery efforts that have taken place in the affected countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

A council of healthcare workers and officials spoke on the progress that had been made in the fight against EVD, and suggestions were made about maintaining effective surveillance mechanisms for monitoring cross-border movements of people until all three countries achieved a zero-case status.

The Council reminded attendees of the need for ongoing support with healthcare services and maintenance and provision of basic public services, including education and macro-economic stability.

The Commission was also applauded and appreciated for its lead role in the fight against EVD as well as its post-EVD recovery efforts through the African Union Support to the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa.

In conclusion, the council advocated for the World Health Organization to expedite the approval of the VSV-EBOV Ebola vaccine and requested that the Commission launch the African Volunteer Health Corps that would be rapidly deployed during the outbreaks of epidemics.