DOH mulls sending health workers to Ebola-hit countries

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) will decide soon whether or not Filipino health workers will be sent to help in Ebola virus-stricken countries in West Africa, Secretary Enrique Ona said yesterday.

In a press briefing on the sidelines of the National Summit on Ebola Virus Disease, Ona said the international community is asking for assistance, whether manpower or money, so that the disease will not spread further.

He said there are many implications that should be considered in sending Filipino health workers to West Africa, particularly Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

The DOH said it wants to ensure the security and safety of the health team. It is also looking at subjecting the volunteers to proper training before deployment.

“We won’t be deploying health workers there without adequate training and protection and even a reassurance that if they get sick, they will be given utmost care that is available. Meaning, the same kind of care given to American or Spanish patients,” Ona said.

The World Health Organization has projected the Ebola outbreak to last for at least nine more months.

“The whole world is worried. We cannot say ‘just leave them as they are.’ It is our responsibility to prevent the spread of the disease,” Ona said.

During the summit, Ona assured the public that the Philippines is ready for the possible entry of the Ebola virus.

He, however, said that this should not lead everyone into complacency and that “undue panic” could worsen the situation.

Describing Ebola as the “most dangerous public health threat in recent history,” Ona said the best remedy against panic and hysteria is to ensure that the public is well informed not only of the disease, its prevention and supportive treatment but also of the actions of government to ensure that the Philippines remains Ebola-free.

Ona added that Ebola does not recognize national boundaries, so Filipinos need to strengthen their resolve to fight off the disease.

The summit was attended by local government leaders and people from medical organizations, academe, civic groups and non-governmental organizations, among others.