Experts call for biomedical research, leadership to defeat Ebola

The war against Ebola will only be effective if African countries invest in strategic interventions like biomedical research, human capital and good leadership.

African scientists said on Thursday that Ebola remains a devastating public health challenge that demands timely intervention at local, national and regional levels.

"The Ebola outbreak in West Africa offers vital lessons on how to invest in preemptive measures like early warning, sound leadership and community education," said professor Vincent Titanji, a senior fellow at the African Academy of Sciences.

The Cameroonian scientist in an article published by the official journal of the African Academy of Sciences noted that Ebola has triggered new debate on effective ways to fight infectious diseases.

African scientists have intensified research on cure for Ebola since last fall when the pandemic wrought devastation in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Titanji underscored the critical role of biomedical research, timely deployment of resources, effective leadership and community involvement to eradicate the Ebola virus.

"We must focus on scientifically proven measures, scale up health education and mobilize resources to strengthen the fight against Ebola," said Titanji.

The World Health Organization on Jan. 4 said 20,747 people were infected with Ebola while 8,235 had succumbed to the hemorrhagic fever.

African scientists noted that weak health systems, disjointed policies, cultural beliefs and ignorance fuelled the spread of Ebola in West Africa.

"The current Ebola outbreak confirms that infectious diseases can wreak untold havoc to ill prepared nations and societies," Titanji said. Endi