Over 110 civil society organisations across West Africa have called on ECOWAS to appoint a Special Envoy on Ebola in the light of the current epidemic in the sub region.
The organisations include the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL), Centre for the Coordination of Youth Activities CCYA) ActionAid Sierra Leone and Democracy Salone.
Signed by the organisations and issued by Osiwa, their statement calls for "ECOWAS member states to appoint a leading, influential, strong and knowledgeable West African physician or health professional" to the position.
"Such an envoy will complement the efforts of WHO’s envoy Dr David Nabarro, help draw attention to the public health and humanitarian challenges posed by Ebola and become a regional voice and leader for a regional response plan led by African and international contributors" it says.
The statement also speaks of the economic impact of Ebola on the region, saying the "travel and trade restrictions are limiting the deployment of medical personnel, equipment and commodities adding to the deadly risk that the EVD already poses to the communities and the economies of the affected countries and the region".
It says Ebola has "exposed the challenges of our public health systems and our governance institutions" and urges cross-border coordination and collaboration to stem the spread of the disease which has killed over 1,500 people in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.
"While closure of borders may provide short term relief, it is not proving an effective way of controlling the virus and is also an impediment to cross-border technical support and humanitarian assistance, giving rise to new food security challenges" the statement says.
It stresses the need for "urgent, unified and concerted efforts by ECOWAS and the international community".
"We applaud and support the brave work of the health personnel who continue to put their lives at risk in the care of victims of Ebola despite very difficult working environment" the statement says, adding "We stand in solidarity with our brothers, sisters, families, and communities who are battling for their lives and struggling to care for loved ones".
The civil society groups also call on ECOWAS members states to push for a resolution to create the position and "develop a concrete plan for operationalizing effective coordination".
(C) Politico 02/09/14
