31 Aug 2014

The Ministry of Health will do all in its power to safeguard the country against the deadly Ebola virus.

That will include timely sharing of information pertaining to the disease, Minister of Health, Dr John Seakgosing told a kgotla meeting in Thamaga on August 28.

Minister Seakgosing said any development with regard to the Ebola virus would be communicated timely, adding that Botswana and the whole of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) were currently free of the deadly virus.

“If we can record any Ebola case, we will let you know,” Minister Seakgosing said. He dismissed as baseless and unfortunate rumours going around that the ministry was hiding cases of Ebola from its citizens.

Dr Seakgosing said health related information was communicated to his office and there was no how they would deny the public such an important message.

He added that failure to share such information could compromise the safety of the nation hence he called on the public not to believe any unfounded allegations. Dr Seakgosing further pleaded with Batswana to avoid travelling to Ebola affected countries in West Africa.

He said when the virus broke out, about 163 Batswana had travelled to Nigeria but the figures had since reduced to only 11 people who travelled recently. He said those who travelled to affected countries were checked upon entering the country.

The minister also told the meeting that isolated facilities had been mounted at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Block 8 clinic and Princes Marina Hospital, among others.

He said at the ports of entry, the immigration officers were able to track each person’s travel history for the past 21 days and any case would be dealt with accordingly.

The minister further said the public must be cautious against the deadly virus by avoiding frequenting crowded places as well as shaking hands. Minister Seakgosing also cautioned the public to avoid using public toilets as another precautionary measure.

He said there was currently no cure for the deadly virus and added that the virus killed within 30 days and could wipe all family members if precautionary measures were not observed.

The Ebola virus cases have been recorded in Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria and lately Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Still at the kgotla meeting, Ms Masego Rankwana of Thamaga North Village Development Committee decried shortage of blankets at Thamaga Primary Hospital.

However, Minister Seakgosing said government had availed enough blankets adding that at times responsible officers failed to discharge their duties. ENDS