With the way the Ebola virus disease is spreading and killing patient, it is no longer a health issue-this is the message of Ban Ki-moon, the current UN secretary general, while speaking in a press briefing last Tuesday about the epidemic.
It has gone on to affect the economic and social stability of the affected nations, especially Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia, where the most number of cases and deaths have been reported. In a report from the World Bank, the economy's growth of Liberia can drop up to 11.7% while economic outlook for Guinea and Sierra Leone can only be around 2.3% and 8.9% respectively.
Moreover, according to Ban Ki-Moon, if it remains unabated, it may soon threaten even the political stability of the region. Last August, more than 5 government officials from Liberia failed to return to the country despite warnings calls from President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, prompting her office to release them effective immediately. Its defense minister Brownie Samukai has also expressed his fear in front of the UN council that the virus will eventually remove Liberia's "national existence."
Early this week, U.S. President Barack Obama committed to sending 3,000 troops for ground control, as well as setting up over 15 new facilities that can hold 100 beds each. It will also be training health care workers and providing home health kits and education to residents of the affected regions, especially on how to handle and deal with Ebola patients. Other countries are also pledging their donations and other contributions in an effort to contain the deadly virus as soon as possible.
With the United States leading, the UN Security Council, along with the secretary general, will meet on Thursday for an emergency meeting to create a resolution that aims to coordinate effectively international responses including the lifting of border restrictions for transport services going to West Africa.