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Togolese President stresses continued efforts to wipe out Ebola

Xinhua, May 12, 2015 Adjust font size:

Togolese President and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)' head of the Ebola Virus Disease Response and Eradication Process, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe ended his visit to Liberia after attending the ceremony marking declaration of Liberia by the World Health Organization (WHO) as Ebola-free.

President Gnassingbe who is guest of Liberia's President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was among several dignitaries who were at Centennial Memorial Pavilion to grace the certification.

The Togolese leader stressed the importance of collaborative approach through the efforts of all including states, partners and communities in "building stronger infrastructure to take us beyond Ebola."

He said that the lessons learnt from the devastating effect of the world's worst Ebola outbreak can be applied to other infectious diseases that continue to plague developing countries.

President Gnassingbe said Liberia attained Ebola-free status as a result of steadfastness and resilience among its citizens but noted the people will never forget the pains brought about by the virus.

He added despite the success of Liberia in defeating Ebola, problems associated with the virus still exist in the sub-region which could be risky if no action is taken.

"As long as Ebola is not completely wiped out of the region, we must remain vigilant and on permanent alert to respond when it reoccurs," the Togolese President told Liberians at the ceremony.

He warned: "We cannot set out guard down until Sierra Leone and Guinea are completely Ebola-free."

The Togolese leader used the occasion to pay tribute to Liberia' s health care workers who despite the danger involved in taking care of Ebola patients made the ultimate sacrifices to save their lives.

He also lauded the contributions and support from the international community in providing logistics in the Liberian Ebola fight.

Also in attendance was the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadré Desiré Ouedraogo, Ghanaian Foreign Minister, Hanna Tetteh, and Nigeria's Health Minister, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu. Endi