Cuba sends 165 health professionals to fight Ebola in Africa

Geneva, Sep 12 (IANS/EFE) Cuba has decided to provide 165 health professionals to combat the Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Friday.

The group, which includes physicians, nurses, epidemiologists, specialists in infection control, intensive care specialists and social mobilisation officers, will be concentrated in Sierra Leone.

Cuban Health Minister Roberto Morales Orjeda held a meeting with WHO Director-General Margaret Chan to coordinate the process of sending the health workers.

"If we are going to go to war with Ebola, we need the resources to fight. I am extremely grateful for the generosity of the Cuban government and these health professionals for doing their part to help us contain the worst Ebola outbreak ever known. This will make a significant difference in Sierra Leone," Chan said.

"Cuba is world famous for its ability to train outstanding doctors and nurses and for its generosity in helping fellow countries on the route to progress," she added.

The Cuban medical workers, who already have professional experience in Africa, will be sent to Sierra Leone in October and will remain there for six months.

Orjeda said that the health brigade would consist of 62 doctors and 103 nurses, all of whom have 15 years of experience.

They have also worked in other countries at the time of natural and epidemiological disasters, he added.

The health minister explained that Cuba already has 23 health workers in Sierra Leone, which was why he decided to concentrate the aid there.

Cuba also has another contingent of 16 health professionals in Guinea, one of the countries most affected by the Ebola outbreak.

--IANS/EFE

ab/vt