The UN had warm words for Israel for its crucial contribution to the war on the rapidly spreading Ebola virus.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent a letter to Israel’s envoy to the UN, Ron Prosor, commending the Jewish state for its efforts to combat the outbreak of the Ebola virus, Israel’s Walla news site reports.
“I wish to thank you for your letter regarding Israel’s commitment to join the global war against the Ebola outbreak through the donation of medical clinics to Sierra Leone and Liberia…. I wish to thank Israel for its critical support of the continent’s preparedness by sending medical equipment and experts on contagious diseases to Ethiopia and Cameroon,” the letter states.
Ban stated that this was “very gladdening and positive news. Israel’s contribution will play a crucial role in increasing the quality of the care and accessibility to the victims.”
Though “we still have a long road ahead of us” in the fight against the deadly virus, “I am sure I can count on Israel’s support,” the UN chief concluded.
Israel’s Specialized Equipment and Knowledge
Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced earlier this month that in response to requests by many governments, the secretary-general of the United Nations, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as Israeli and international aid organizations, Israel’s contribution to the international effort to prevent the spreading of the Ebola epidemic will be increased.
Israel sent three mobile emergency clinics to Africa. Manufactured in Israel, they were built in accordance with the standards and guidelines of the WHO for treatment of Ebola.
A staff of medical experts was also attached to each clinic; they are training local practitioners in the operation of the clinic and its equipment. In addition, staff training is focused on preventing the spread of the disease and raising awareness among populations with high potential for infection.
A Bleak Forecast
The WHO announced on Saturday that the number of people infected with Ebola has passed the 10,000 mark. The forecast for the outbreak is grim, as the number of infected people is expected to climb sharply.
The Ebola epidemic of 2014 in western Africa is the largest outbreak in recorded history, with a rapidly rising death toll in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. There have also been cases in Spain and the United States, with the first case of an outbreak in New York having surfaced on Friday.
Author: Aryeh Savir
Staff Writer, United with Israel