LOC21:42
18:42 GMT
NEW YORK, Sept 2 (KUNA) -- UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson stressed in a "short-notice" meeting with the member states on Ebola that current outbreak of Ebola in West Africa is critically serious and deeply worrying.
Although only a few countries have been affected, three of them severely, other countries are increasingly concerned, "rightly so, about the possibility of further spread," Eliasson explained.
The health systems in the affected countries are overwhelmed by the magnitude and complexity of the problems, he said, noting these countries are finding it extremely difficult to cope.
"We, the international community, must now step up our efforts and boost the capacity of the affected countries and their systems and provide all support needed," he stressed.
The UN official said that the outbreak is more than a health crisis, and confirmed that it has already took a disproportionate toll on economies and affected the daily life as well as the very fabric of families and societies.
The fear factor plays a strong role in the crisis, he said, encouraging the Member States and businesses and individuals, to take decisions based on scientific evidence, "not on fear." He stressing that misinformation about Ebola can only exacerbate an already dire or fragile situation in the impacted countries and beyond.
Eliasson confirmed that there have been strong responses by governments, multilateral and regional organisations, UN agencies, NGOs and other partners. He thanked the governments of those affected countries for their political will and determination to come to grips with the problem.
Furthermore, the Financial resources and a unique mix of capacities to come into those countries are needed immediately so that the spread of the disease can be contained rapidly, he added.
As far as the UN is concerned, "this is one of the most serious health challenges we have ever faced," he said.
Cooperation as well as effective strategies are needed, he said, affirming the role played Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in the establishment of a UN System Ebola Virus Disease coordination mechanism to ensure integrated support to affected countries, while helping to prevent spread to other countries.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Margaret Chan, the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. David Nabarro, who serves as the Senior UN System Coordinator for Ebola, Joanne Liu, International President of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), Executive Director of UNICEF, Tony Lake. (end)
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