President Mahama Calls for a Change in Approach to Fighting Ebola Virus 

ECOWAS Chairman President John Dramani Mahama is calling for a change in strategy to fighting the Ebola virus which has claimed over 1,400 lives in the West African sub-region.

He said the new strategy must revolve around ways of containing the disease and not necessarily to isolate countries that have recorded cases of Ebola.

Speaking at a conference in Accra to devise strategies to contain the disease, President Mahama said Ghana cannot look on while its neighbours perish. 

"We must implement containment measures but we must not implement measures that isolate and ostracise the affected countries.

"Excessive restriction of travel and border closure will adversely affect the economies of affected countries," he emphasised.

According to the President Mahama, some health ministers in the West African sub-region were unable to attend the conference because of the unavailability of flights.

"An African proverb says when your neighbour's house is on fire you must go and help him to quench it because, after it has consumed his house it will spread to yours," the president point out.

President Mahama, therefore directed the Ghana Armed Forces to cooperate with the WHO and other International Medical Organisations to set up a post in Accra to receive supplies and personnel into affected countries.
 
President Mahama as ECOWAS Chairman paid tribute to the Senior Physician Specialist in Nigeria, Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh who died from Ebola, whilst treating a Liberian Health Official,  Patrick Sawyer who reported to a Nigerian hospital. 

He said such heroes and heroines who lose their lives whilst serving their country and mankind should be remembered and celebrated. 



GBC