African Union announces immediate deployment of first batch of 100 professionals to Liberia and others
MONROVIA, SEPTEMBER 16, 2014: The African Union (AU) has announced the immediate deployment of the first batch of 100 health and other professionals to Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone to help combat the deadly Ebola virus in the sub-region.
Africa Union’s Special Representative to Liberia, Amb. Toyin Solaja, said the deployment is part of a joint AU-led military and civilian humanitarian mission code named African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA). He puts the cost of the operation to more than 25 million United States Dollars. The Ambassador said a total of two hundred (200) professionals are expected to be deployed in the three countries.
According to Amb.Solaja, additional professionals from across the continent are undergoing training in the Ugandan Capital, Kampala, to form part of the operation which aim is to ensure that Ebola is put under control.
The AU Special Representative disclosed that the African Union Commission has chosen Liberia to serve as the Command Center for its mission in the three countries.
Also speaking, Maj. Gen. Dr. Julius F. Okatta,head of theAU’s ASEOWA mission, said the mission will support medical, logistics, humanitarian and communications needs of the three countries.
In addition to logistics, Maj. Gen. Dr. Okattasaid the African Union is sending Mobile Message Communication Equipment to enhance public awareness and sensitization efforts. He said six psychosocial professionals will also be assigned to provide psychosocial support.
A statement said the AU officials made the disclosure Tuesday, when a high-power African Union delegation visited Internal Affairs Minister Morris M. Dukuly at his Capitol Hill office.
Responding, Internal Affairs Minister Morris Dukuly,on behalf of President Ellen Johnson,lauded the African Union for the strong support and leadership; noting, that the pronouncement brings relief to Liberia.
Miniter Dukuly described the AU’soperation as a Pan-African effort to assist the three countries that are battling the outbreak ofEbola in the west African region.
