Kofi Annan: Travel ban on Ebola countries may hinder eradication

The Chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation, Busumuru Kofi Annan has warned that if measures are not put in place now to fight the deadly virus, Ebola, it will escalate beyond control.

“Without adequate and timely support, the crisis is likely to worsen and create further misery and anguish in West Africa and beyond,” he said.

According to him, the nuisance of travel bans due to the Ebola epidemic may hinder rather than to help eradicate the virus in affected countries.

“The Ebola crisis in West Africa is a grave threat to public health and requires a swift and effective response. Unfortunately, measures such as the imposition of travel bans may hinder rather than help efforts to contain the virus by impeding the flow of expertise and supplies to the affected areas,” he noted.

Mr Annan added that, “a coordinated response from governments, regional and international organisations is essential. Civil society organisations also, have a critical role to play, helping to ensure that communities are well informed and that dangerous misinformation is dispelled.”

The former Secretary-General of the United Nations [UN] and a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Kofi Annan is of a view that “With the adequate care, contracting the virus is by no means a death sentence. Yet too many people have already died in West Africa in the Ebola outbreak. The economic impact is disastrous for a region that is struggling to deal with severe poverty and the aftermath of many years of armed conflict.”

He further counseled on Facebook that “Donors and other partners in the international community, together with national governments and civil society organisations across the region, to urgently support the courageous efforts of the first responders who are tackling this crisis. Without adequate and timely support, the crisis is likely to worsen and create further misery and anguish in West Africa and beyond."