JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
The UN agency’s eastern Mediterranean region consists of 22 countries and territories. Intensive support is provided to Djibouti, Somalia and Sudanwhich have been identified as priority countries.
This follows a deadly outbreak Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda and confirmed cases in Kenya linked to the DRC.
Hostility and an overwhelmed health system
Although there have been no cases of Ebola in the region so far, conflict, displacement and overwhelmed health systems in some countries make it difficult to prepare and respond if the situation changes.
In his speech earlier this week, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus described the area as “a center for global humanitarian needs”.
More than 117 million people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and beyond, require humanitarian assistance to survive.
Assess readiness, identify challenges
Between July and September, WHO deployed missions to Djibouti, Somalia and Sudan to assess national preparedness and identify challenges in Ebola surveillance, laboratory capacity, infection prevention and control, case management and emergency coordination.
The UN agency is helps authorities address gaps through training, technical support, medical supplies, and simulation exercises.
The country has developed regional preparedness checklists, contingency planning tools and technical guidance, in addition to strengthening coordination with countries in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
WHO also provides laboratory equipment, traveler guides, and community engagement resources.
Despite progress, gaps remain in early detection, laboratory confirmation, and availability of protective equipment and resources for emergency response.
“Conflict, insecurity and limited access present additional challenges, especially in countries already facing major humanitarian emergencies,” WHO said.
Meanwhile, efforts continue to ensure that national authorities and partners can quickly detect, investigate and respond to suspected Ebola cases.
