PRESS STATEMENT ON EBOLA UPDATES Government has continued to be vigilant and has heightened its surveillance at all points of entry to prevent the spread of Ebola into the country. Zambia has not recorded a case of Ebola and has never recorded a case in history. The Zambian Government has continued to put measures in place to ensure that the deadly disease, that broke out in West Africa in March this year and recently in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo does not spread to Zambia. According to the World Health Organization, there have been 3069 cases of Ebola in West Africa. The Ebola death toll in West Africa stands at 1,552 and 13 in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The countries that have been affected are Guinea, 430 deaths, Liberia 694 deaths, Sierra Leone 422 deaths and Nigeria 06 deaths. The Zambian government has budgeted for a preparedness fund that will support a number of preventive and response measures that have been put in place to avert the spread of the disease into Zambia. Preventive Measures put in place A fixed thermal Scanner has been installed at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport to automatically detect any traveller with raised temperature that may be caused by the virus. The installation of a similar scanner at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola is near completion. These scanners are in addition to the portable hand held thermal scanners that were purchased earlier and distributed to border posts. Travel from and to Ebola hit countries remains restricted until further notice. The Government has also introduced a toll free line 909 (on all networks) for those seeking more information on the disease. Preventive text messages will also be sent to members of the public through mobile phones on all networks. These messages will alert the public on how to protect themselves against the disease. Government has also signed a Statutory instrument (SI) No. 49 of 2014 that compels health workers to report any suspected Ebola case to relevant authorities. Further, The Ministry of Health has developed and printed Educative Information and Communication (EIC) materials on Ebola. The Secretary to Cabinet chairs meetings for Permanent Secretaries that are held every Monday to strategize on the prevention of the disease from spreading into Zambia. The Ministry of Health Provincial Medical Office teams have continued to hold consultative meetings with Private Practitioners to update them on preventive measures that need to be put in place to prevent the Ebola Viral Disease from coming into the country. The Government has further procured the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended Personal Protective Equipment that comprises rubber boots, medical scrubs, rubber gloves, a long sleeved waterproof airtight suit, a rubber apron, a rubber bib, a rubber hood, a mask and eye shields. These are meant to help Zambia prepare adequately for a possible outbreak. In addition, WHO has donated assorted Ebola preparedness supplies worth US$50, 000. Among the donated items are hand sprays and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). Public Awareness With all these measures put in place by government, the Ministry of Health is appealing to the members of public to: i. Maintain high levels of hygiene and cleanliness: Frequently wash hands and maintain clean surroundings. ii. Remain vigilant and alert: Monitor ones health especially if you recently travelled to the risky countries or have been in contact with one who recently travelled to the affected countries. Call the toll free line or any of the below listed numbers should you develop any Ebola related signs or symptoms iii. Report any suspected case of Ebola to the relevant authorities: Members of the public are encouraged to look out for each other: Suspected cases should immediately be reported to relevant authorities. We wish to assure the general public that government continues to take all the necessary precautions and remains highly vigilant in monitoring the situation. There is therefore no reason for apprehension, panic or alarm among citizens. For further information, contact the toll free line (909) or the following numbers: 0966 841062 0977 421611 0962771759 0955 411988 moh.gov.zm
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 12:10:47 +0000
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