Africa Union told to develop Ebola response action plan

An international health organisation has called on the African Union (AU) to develop a strategic plan to tackle the Ebola epidemic.

Aids Healthcare Foundation's (AHF) Africa bureau chief Penninah Amor wants the union to urgently take appropriate actions to stop further spread of the disease.

With a presence in 11 African countries, AHF said Ebola was an African problem needing a solution from African leaders.

"Averting the outbreak needs to be an African priority requiring both political and technical support since the global response is inadequate," said Dr Amor in a letter sent to AU's Executive Council.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has already pledged monetary support to stop further spread of the dreaded disease, joining several other countries that have committed resources.

"AU can and should do more to avert the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. We are currently in the ninth month of this outbreak and we hope in the spirit of Africanism, the union is finally prioritising this matter so that as a continent we can support countries ravaged by this epidemic and show the rest of the world the power of rallying together to bring this epidemic under control," she said.

With programmes in Nigeria and Sierra Leone that provide HIV and Aids treatment and prevention, AHF is currently working with health workers in those countries that are contributing towards the fight against Ebola.

Amor said the African response plan should include personnel support, medical equipment, essential medicines and logistical support including an air-bridge for critical supplies and personnel into and out of the affected countries.

AHF also wants AU to start an Ebola Fund to which countries and agencies could contribute towards the fight against the virus, as well as help build health systems that have been devastated by the epidemic.

She further appealed to African countries to provide the services of health workers.