29 Sep 2014

The public has been advised to take heed of reports from health workers on Ebola.

Addressing a kgotla meeting at Tatitown in Francistown recently, the Minister of Health, Dr John Seakgosing said the disease has been reported in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea Conakry and Senegal. He added that it has entered the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

He said trade would not be stopped, but that two drivers from two different countries would interchange their driving duties. The minister also informed the public about the spread of the disease, noting that Ebola has treatment and cure. 

Dr Seakgosing added that medication for the disease was still under research.  Furthermore, he said they educate people who arrive in the country as well as officers and the public on communicable diseases. Dr Seakgosing said the main way to prevent the spread of Ebola was isolation for 21 days. 

He said Batswana who had travelled to the affected countries would be evaluated and advised accordingly at border entry points. The minister noted that no cases of Ebola have been recorded in Botswana, but urged the public to be alert all the time.

Rev. Dr Seakgosing said they have stopped people from travelling to affected countries, adding that the Department of Immigration monitors the trans-boundary movement of diseases. “Standard educational materials on communicable diseases are also available,” he said.

He said all health facilities were on high alert to provide the necessary health services for the management of suspected cases. Dr Seakgosing said the ministry would continue to monitor any disease and health situation including Ebola locally, regionally and globally.

He said the ministry would continue to monitor, prepare and advice participants, organisers and delegates, including the public about the status of the disease in the country.He advised the public to report to the nearest health facility if they have or see persons with symptoms of Ebola. 

Rev. Dr Seakgosing also briefed Francistown residents about non-communicable diseases such as cancer as well as the abuse of drugs and alcohol amongst the youth. ENDS