By Asmau Ahmad
The Malian authorities and the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday, announced that Mali is now Ebola free. The Malian Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Mr Ousmane Kone said in a statement in Bamako. Kone officially declared Mali free of Ebola virus disease, because 42 days had elapsed after the last Ebola case tested negative in laboratory tests on the Dec. 6, 2014.
He praised the efforts of national and international organisations, thanking in particular the WHO Representative that led the fight against Ebola in Mali. Kone called on members of the public to remain vigilant and to observe the basic preventive measures.
He also invited health workers to strengthen the fight. For his part, the WHO Representative and Head of the UN mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) in Mali, Dr Ibrahima Fall, said “this is a historic milestone in the fight against Ebola in Mali, Africa and the world.’’
He applauded the people of Mali who were completely committed to see an end to the disease. He also praised the Malian President, whom, he said, showed exceptional leadership in leading the battle against the Ebola virus. He also praised the minister of Health and Public Hygiene, who did not wait for the first case to start the fight.
Fall also commended the commitment of partners and donors for promptly providing the necessary assistance to the Malian authorities, the high-level support shown by the UN Secretary-General in launching UNMEER. While recognizing the remarkable results in Mali, Fall noted that although the battle had been won, the war against the Ebola virus would continue unabated until all countries in West Africa are also declared Ebola-free.
“Ebola is a terrible disease and continues to pose a threat to peace, security, the economy, and the very existence of our society.
“We cannot afford to let our guard down.
“The public, authorities, partners and donors to maintain the same level of commitment to continue strengthening the health system and support activities to prepare Mali for such crises in the future.
