From UN

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that there is reason to be “cautiously optimistic” about defeating the Ebola crisis in West Africa, as he made a series of visits to countries most-affected by the unprecedented outbreak, which has sickened some 18,000 people and killed close to 7,000 others throughout the region.

During a meeting in Monrovia with Liberian President, Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, to discuss UN support for the country to contain the spread of Ebola, Mr. Ban praised Liberia’s achievements to date, stressing the importance of remaining vigilant in the fight against the disease.

“Now is not the time to ease our efforts. We have witnessed how just one case can trigger an epidemic,” he said. “We have a long way to go. Zero cases – in Liberia and this entire region – must be everyone’s goal.”

Despite his call for caution, he also noted the slowing spread of the virus, paying tribute to the dedication and commitment of Liberians, which was vital in ensuring that the response strategy was working.

“More people are gaining access to treatment. More contacts are being traced. Burials are becoming safer. Communities are mobilizing to protect themselves,” he said.

Later in the day, the Secretary-General visited an Ebola treatment centre in neighbouring Sierra Leone and he again praised the response to the outbreak, singling out Ebola fighters for special acclaim.

“You are heroes,” he told the workers, “You have shown the most noble face of humankind. You have come to the aid of family members, friends, fellow citizens – anyone caught in the grip of the vicious Ebola virus.”

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