Deputy Health Minister interact Journalists on the Ebola Outbreak
Freetown, Aug. 24, 014 (MOHS) – Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation 1, Dr. Abu Bakarr Fofanah has called on Media Practitioners to continue the good work in complimenting the efforts of government in the fight against the deadly Ebola outbreak in the country.
Addressing Journalists at a Media Engagement Orientation and Briefing at the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Harry Yansaneh Memorial Hall in Freetown, the Deputy Minister reiterated government’s commitment to contain the disease with support from partners and the cooperation of the general public.
He dilated on the historical background of the disease since the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976 in line with other outbreaks in Africa, citing Uganda, Sudan, the Ivory Coast, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Dr. Fofanah told his audience that this is the first time for the Ebola virus disease to hit four countries at the same time, citing Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, and re-emphasized the need for Sierra Leoneans and foreign nationals living in the country to take the necessary precautionary measures that would help government to combat the disease.
Dr. Fofanah spoke on the functions of the various pillars of the Ministry, the establishment and role of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and the strategic importance of the Presidential Task Force with the leadership of His Excellency the President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma.
Commenting on the major challenges face during the outbreak since May 25, 2014, Dr. Fofanah cited funding gaps, human resource, ignorance, traditional practices and cultural beliefs, including denial, and logistical supports on case management and ambulance services among other key issues.
On the issue of the stigmatization of the disease, Dr. Fofanah said strategies have been designed to discourage stigmatization, and By-Laws instituted in the districts across the country to address the situation.
In his presentation on the topic “Working with the Media on Ebola”, the Communication Development Specialist, Mr. Batilloi Warritay called on journalists to join the fight in building and maintaining trust to complement government’s efforts in controlling the spread of the disease, emphasizing the need to communicate with the public in ways that would build confidence and restore trust in the system.
He expressed the need for media practitioners to discourage rumors as they are dangerous and can undermine the efforts of the government.
Interactive sessions with members of the press formed part of the meeting chaired by the Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Jonathan Abass Kamara.
JAK/KK/MOHS
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