Georgetown : President Donald Ramotar met with representatives of sectors including, diplomats, security, aviation, medical, private sector, umbrella religious groups, non-governmental organisations, trade union bodies, and civil society to discuss Guyana’s preparedness for any possible Ebola outbreak.
Despite invitations, representatives of parliamentary opposition political parties failed to attend the meeting at the Presidential Complex which attracted over 100 stakeholders.
The meeting was the latest aimed at informing officials of latest developments, and possible challenges that may arise within sectors in dealing with any possible cases. Stakeholders were also advised about various aspects of the disease and measures being taken locally by Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shamdeo Persaud. These included the facilities that were prepared, and being prepared for the quarantining of suspected victims of Ebola, at official ports of entry, such as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and Ogle Airport.
The Health Ministry has trained more than 1,600 persons to deal with any suspected cases of the disease. Health care facilities are also being prepared to handle suspected cases, he added along with the procurement of protective gear and medical supplies. In cases of the latter, international support from agencies such the Pan American Health Organisation and the World Health Organisation it is anticipated would provide the necessary support on a case by case basis, to boost the capabilities of Caribbean member states as needed to respond to suspected cases.
About 5,000 people have already died from the disease, with close thousands of other cases being reported according to the WHO.
In the region, several Caribbean nations have instituted travel restrictions including St Vincent, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and more recently Australia.
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