Global concern over Ebola

Little wonder that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously passed a resolution terming the outbreak of Ebola a global threat. The disease has gone epidemic killing 5,000 people so far and doubling its number of casualties every three weeks. That there are no proven anti-Ebola shots available in mass form adds to its deadliness. The UNSC has rightly recognised the need for helping African countries worst hit by this new killer as one that could ravage entire nations and undo years of development work.

Although the UN has been encouraging countries in the region to lift cross-border travel restrictions so as to facilitate the transportation of essential medical personnel and medication, the panic of Ebola has led some nations, like Sierra Leone to shut down in an effort to contain it within its borders. With porous borders and lax controls at points of entry and exit, containing this communicable disease through such measures may prove to be difficult. 

Bangladesh for its part could mount its vigil at points of entry including land, sea and air, keeping in view the fact that both way travelling has increased manifold in recent times. Since such a malady is no respecter of borders, we need to have screening facilities and trained medical personnel at the ready. We should also raise awareness of our people as to the characteristics of Ebola and how it spreads, so that we can take precautions against any eventuality as far as Ebola goes.