The Health Ministers of ECOWAS Member States met on August 28 at the MIKLIN
Hotel in Accra. After considering the Experts' report on the current outbreak of
Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic in West Africa:
• Expressed deep concern about the challenge posed by the recent outbreak
of the Ebola virus disease epidemic in the ECOWAS region
• Expressed solidarity to the ECOWAS member countries whose populations
are being hard hit by the disease.
• Noted that to date, 3069 and 1552 deaths have been recorded and several
people continue to fall victim to the disease which is a threat to public health
for all countries in the ECOWAS.
• Recognized the negative impact of the disease on economy, security and
the social fabric of ECOWAS Member States.
In the light of this alarming situation, the Health Ministers recognize that the
sole aim is still to stop the transmission of the disease through regional
solidarity, resource mobilization and harmonisation of strategies.
They therefore decide to:
1. Assist affected countries through
a. Mobilisation and deployment of human resources by providing health
personnel to support the affected countries.
b. Provision of materials and equipment
2. Strengthening epidemiological surveillance at entry and exit points
• Design of a health records card
• Temperature checks
• Use of hand sanitizes
• Handling of bodies
c. Identification of suspected cases and contacts persons as well as their
management (prohibition of movement within and outside countries)
d. Information sharing between countries
3. Strengthening of health facilities at country level through training
and establishment of isolation centres.
4. Clear and consistent messages should be disseminated to the populations
5. Provide financial support and encourage research and medical schools to
actively contribute to global efforts in the quest for solutions, remedies and
therapies with a view to preventing and controlling Ebola virus disease and
other life threatening conditions
6. Put in place a regional monitoring mechanisms such as:
a. Ministerial Coordination Group
Chair: Minister of Health of Ghana
Members: Ministers of Health of affected countries
Secretariat: ECOWAS / WAHO
b. Technical Surveillance Group
WAHO
CDC Nigeria
WHO/Afro
Country Experts of the ministerial coordination group
Secretariat: ECOWAS / WAHO
The ECOWAS Assembly of Health Ministers call on the populations not to panic
because is only transmitted through direct contact with body liquids of patients
or through the handling and consumption of bush meat
7. The Assembly of Health Ministers call on airline companies to continue
with their usual flight schedules within West Africa subject to such health
measures as may be agreed with WAHO.
8. WAHO should submit a proposal within seven days to the Adhoc Ministerial
committee for the implementation of these recommendations.
Recommandations to Heads of State and Government
1. Establish humanitarian, health and economic corridors with affected
countries
2. Assess travel restriction measures and border closures in the light of
WHO recommendations; open borders with checks should be the rule and closure the
exception
3. Where borders need to be closed for exceptional reasons, there should be
consultation among member countries and the views of WAHO and WHO should be
sought.
4. Quickly make their contributions to the ECOWAS solidarity fund for
disease control and call on the international community as well as the private
sector to contribute.
Done in Accra on 28th, August 2014
By: The Assembly of Health Ministers of ECOWAS
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