By Umaru Jalloh :
This is no time to cast blame on our political leaders; this is the time to come together as a nation and ready to wage the war on Ebola. There has been precipitous decline in our faith in god that this will take forever. I do believe Sierra Leoneans will come out of this. It is not time to use Ebola as a 2017 elections campaign issue; it is time for both political parties to reach out across the political spectrum. Our people are suffering and there should be no time to play the political blame and finger pointing.
UMARU JALLOH
This is a rare, but deadly virus; it has induced panic all over the world, with its fatality rate of up to 90%. This is a matter of grave concern fellow Sierra Leoneans. Sierra Leone is not alone on this battle; the list of affected countries is currently limited to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Nigeria. It can soon break out in other countries too. Fellow Sierra Leoneans we should be vigilant enough and not let negligence creep in. Currently we know that there is no vaccine available for everybody, but thankfully to the Almighty the infection can be controlled through the use of recommended protective measures, if one complies with those measures. For instance if one has plans to travel to areas where the virus has been found, one should look at it thoughtfully and avoid the risk taking.
We all know the role education and information play on our safety and security. Education and information is the best way to save our people’s lives from the unnecessary dangers of the Ebola virus. Those who can read and write bear great responsibility to make sure that others don’t remain ignorant; they should use all resources available to read and understand about Ebola and don’t spread false facts about it . Everybody should know the symptoms, modes of transmission and preventive measures to avert the spread of the virus.
Understandably Ebola thrives in conditions where there is lack of hygiene. Skin and eyes are the suggested routes for viral entry. Food and water also serve as a source of entry. It is highly necessary to practice normal hygiene like washing our hands before eating and disinfecting surfaces. The use of a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol as often as possible when water is not available is highly recommended.
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We should know that Ebola virus does transfer to humans through animals. All the animal products we consume should be washed thoroughly and well cooked. Always avoid eating undercooked meat at all costs. Do not eat any kind of wild game or bush meat. This is the main carrier of this virus.
As Africans we do live in communal society, which makes it easier to contract the virus. One should avoid any contact with infected people as Ebola virus spreads through all body fluids including blood, semen, saliva, sweat, urine, fecal matter and vomit of infected individuals.
We have seen Health care workers wear masks, gloves, and goggles whenever they come into contact with people who may have Ebola. These are preventive measures that save lives. We should always keep infected people isolated from others and dispose of needles and sterilize other instruments. This is no political game fellow Sierra Leoneans, this very important for the safety of our fellow Sierra Leoneans.
ENJOY YOUR SUNDAY FELLOW SIERRA LEONEANS.
VOICE OF PEACE NEWS AND COMMMENTS: Umaru Jalloh.
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