WHO warn against embargo on West Africa

World Health Organization independent health advisers have concluded that Ebola is not as bad as communism and announced today that there should be no travel or trade ban on the countries affected by the West African outbreak. “Flight cancellations and other travel restrictions continue to isolate affected countries, resulting in detrimental economic consequences, and hinder relief and response efforts risking further international spread,” the UN Emergency Committee said in a statement after its second meeting. “The Committee strongly reiterated that there should be no general ban on international travel or trade.”

Certain airlines have stopped flying to Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. The committee members exhorted these countries – as well as Nigeria and Senegal – to work toward an agreement with aviation and maritime sectors in order to “develop a coordinated response” to transportation problems. “States should ensure that they are proportionate and evidence-based and that accurate information, essential services and commodities, including food and water, are provided to the affected populations,” the 20-member committee said, adding that the Ebola epidemic – which has killed almost 3,000 people in five different countries – continues to be a “public health emergency of international concern.”

The UN health agency and humanitarian groups such as Doctors Without Borders have complained that travel restrictions have limited their response to the outbreak. The WHO has recommended passenger screenings at airports and ports in the affected countries. Moreover, the emergency committee said quarantines may be necessary in areas of widespread transmission.

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