By Mabinty Kamara
A US-based Sierra Leonean scholar has said that because Ebola came from forest animals before it was transmitted from human to human, Sierra Leone cannot end that kind of transmission without paying serious attention to the forest. Alhaji Dr. Umar N'jai, a lecturer at the University of Wisconsin Madison, said some diseases develop as a result of climate change which results from the cutting of trees without replacement, making the climate extremely hot and also bringing human beings closer to bats and chimpanzee who are carriers of Ebola.
Dr. N'jai who was delivering a public lecture at the Mary Kingsley Auditorium, FBC on the topic: From Ebola to Climate Change, integrating advances in life Sciences, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the University for Sustained World Health, said "there should be a thorough check up of these animals who carry the virus." He said "a vaccine has been produced and is currently being applied to these animals...it is proving well and will be developed later to be tested on human beings.
The Scientist and Researcher argued that it would be important for the University of Sierra Leone to build its capacity to the extent that it is able to "integrate global and local knowledge exchange for better communities" and encouraged students to embark on research and "not rely only on what is being thought in class."
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone Professor Ekundayo Thompson, praised Dr. N'jai for his work, being a former student of the University and called on the government to review the Universities Act so as to enhance discipline and maintain scholarship.
Professor Thompson said when he took over as acting Vice Chancellor, "I promised that my reign will ensure discipline and quality in this university". He urged the students to study hard.
© Politico 29/04/15
