United States President, Barack Obama, has said that his country knows how to stop the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak currently ravaging countries like Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.
The virus has killed more than 1,500 people so far.
Obama, in a less-than-three-minute YouTube video posted on Tuesday, urged Nigerians and other West African countries trying to cope with the EVD not to lose hope, promising that the US would do the best to put an end to the outbreak.
He said, “Stopping this disease won’t be easy, but we know how to do it. You are not alone. Together, we can treat those who are sick with respect and dignity. We can save lives.
“And our countries can work together to improve public health, so this kind of outbreak doesn’t happen again. In this urgent work—and in building a stronger and more prosperous Africa—you’ll continue to have a partner in me and in the United States of America.”
In what he described as a personal message to Nigerians, Liberians, Sierra Leoneans and Guineans, the US President said that all Americans were praying for Ebola-hit countries, especially for families who have lost loved ones to the virus outbreak.
He however encouraged Nigerians to become more aware of the facts concerning the disease.
Obama said, “I want to take a few moments to speak directly to you—the people of West Africa, especially in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Nigeria. On behalf of the American people, I want you to know that our prayers are with those of you who have lost loved ones during this terrible outbreak of Ebola. And the first step in this fight is to know the facts.
“First, Ebola is not spread through the air like the flu. You cannot get it from casual contact, like sitting next to someone on a bus. You cannot get it from another person until they show the symptoms of the disease, like fever.
“Second, the most common way you can get Ebola is by touching the body fluids of someone who’s sick or has died from it—like their sweat, saliva or blood—or through a contaminated item, like a needle. That’s why the disease is continuing to spread where patients are being cared for at home or during burials when families and friends lay their loved one to rest. That’s why workers wear protection like gloves and masks.
“It’s why, if you feel sick with a high fever, you should get help right away—because with prompt treatment in a medical centre, nearly half of patients can recover.”
