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WHO calls for exit, entry screening measures against Ebola spread

23 October 2014 20:45 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. The third meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded on Thursday, calling for the exit and entry screening measures to prevent Ebola outbreak spread to other countries, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

The two days' closed-door meeting was convened in advance of the three-month date of the expiration of the temporary recommendations issued on Aug. 8 and their extension on Sept. 22, owing to the increase in numbers of cases in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, and the new exportation of cases resulting in limited transmission in Spain and the United States.

As of Oct. 22, the number of total cases stands at 9,936, with 4,877 deaths. Cases continue to increase exponentially in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the situation in these countries remains of great concern.

The Emergency Committee noted the key lessons learned to control the outbreak include the importance of leadership, community engagement, bringing in more partners, paying staff on time, and accountability.

It pointed out the primary emphasis must continue to be stopping the transmission of Ebola within the three affected countries with intense transmission. This action is the most important step for preventing international spread.

Specific attention, including through appropriate monitoring and follow-up of their health, should be paid to the needs of health care workers. This will also encourage more health care staff to assist in this outbreak.