New York – February 18, 2015
Excellencies,
Mr. Ban-Ki-moon, Secretary-General,
Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER),
Dr. David Nabarro, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Ebola,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you all for attending this important briefing. I thank Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed for his important work on the ground and extend my appreciation to Dr. David Nabarro for his continued leadership on this issue.
Since our last briefing, important progress has been made with respect to combating the Ebola outbreak in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. I once again commend the people and governments in the affected countries for their unflinching efforts. I also thank the regional and international partners for their support that has made a tangible difference.
While we should all feel heartened by the progress that has been made, we cannot yet claim triumph over Ebola. With the rainy season quickly approaching, we must re-double our efforts to ensure a final, successful push for eliminating this epidemic but also, begin to direct our attention to the region’s long-term recovery effort.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
The most-affected countries still face serious challenges, particularly with regard to their long-term social-economic recovery. The devastating impact of the Ebola outbreak could seriously compromise their sustainable development efforts.
Key sectors remain gravely affected. There is great risk that long after this epidemic has passed, the healthcare crisis in the most affected countries could continue; resulting in many otherwise preventable deaths. The health infrastructure in the hardest hit countries must be rebuilt into strong, resilient institutions.
Although many children are finally now returning to class, there will be long-term education needs and gaps due to the fact that schools in the affected countries were closed for extended periods of time. We must do what we can to ensure the necessary resources are put into place so all children are given every opportunity to resume their education.
Furthermore, steps must also be taken to ensure better epidemic preparedness and response for the future; including through human resource capacity building, infrastructure development and more robust governance and regional institutions.
It is essential that regional and international partners support and strengthen the efforts of the national governments in a coordinated manner. And as the situation gets better, it is also crucial that all partners in the region plan and manage their exits in a way that will ensure that capacity is transferred amply to national institutions.
Esteemed Colleagues,
I urge you all to continue to support the affected countries combat the epidemic, as well as embark on long-term recovery. The commitment made by regional leaders of the Mano River Union in their Declaration of 15th February 2015, to achieve ‘Zero Ebola Infection’ within 60 days, was a clear demonstration of the region’s resolve to combat Ebola. We must give them our full support.
As we contemplate the long-term needs of the region, the high-level international conference on Ebola on 3rd March in Brussels being organized by the European Union and other key partners represents an important opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with the countries most affected by Ebola.
I call on you all to continue to support the affected countries as they embark on a journey to full recovery.
I thank you for your kind attention.
