In an open letter, former heads of state as well as leaders from civil society and business have launched a petition in an open letter, calling for more solidarity and a more coordinated approach to deal with the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
Ebola virus has become an overwhelming human catastrophe affecting public health, social institutions and economic well-being in Africa, affecting young democracies such as Liberia which has come out of a long and debilitating civil war.
The response has often been knee jerk and counterproductive, such as the closing of borders and cancelation of flights, something which both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have denounced.[eap_ad_2]
The call for action which is attracting an increasing number of signatories, urges all citizens to play their role in fighting the disease outbreak. It also demands a coordinated and rational response from African governments and international institutions.
High profile leaders such as former Presidents Mkapa of Tanzania and Obasanjo of Nigeria have signed the petition, as well as Graça Machel, civil society leader and wife of the late President Mandela, the singer and former Minister Youssour N’Dour and a number of prominent leaders and personalities from music, media and business.[eap_ad_3]
