African Union Commission Chairperson, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and an AU delegation came face to face with the fight against the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease when they touched down at Sierra Leone's Lungi international airport.
In a statement today, the AU said Dlamini-Zuma's entourage was greeted with no-handshakes as officials rather bowed in gentle reverence.
Guests and members of the delegation had to wash their hands in chlorine water and their temperatures taken with an infrared thermometer.
The African Union says this safety procedure is repeated at every entrance and exit to public buildings and on arrival and departure at airports in Sierra Leone and Liberia, which the AU delegation visited yesterday,.
Dlamini-Zuma traveled to the two Ebola-ravaged countries to brief officials on her efforts to mobilise massive medical personnel and get the airlines flying in and out of the affected countries.
"After deploying AU Volunteers, we have written to the Heads of State, asking them to volunteer more human resources. Some of them have started responding, while we are still waiting for others to respond. Already, the East African Community have pledged about 600, while the DRC is ready to send about 1000, beginning with a batch of 200. And we are convening on 8th November a meeting of business people on the continent to discuss and agree on how they can engage in this now, and even after Ebola. I have also spoken to the CAF Executive, and the artists. Everyone must play a role." Dlamini-Zuma told Sierra Leone's President Koroma.
President Koroma hailed the AUC Chairperson's efforts. "The approach you have taken is most welcome. Human resource is an area that has been lacking. Because of the spread, the more fighting centres are available, the better. And offers from Member States are most welcome, given that they have the field experience."
Sierra Leone's President laid emphasis on the urgent need to lift the travel restrictions and resume commercial flights. "Your visit will send signals that people can come in and leave without carrying the virus," he told the delegation. He noted the devastating impact that the travel restrictions are having on the economy and social life, and even in the post-Ebola period. He stressed the need for the international community to press for movement in and out of the region.
The AUC Chairperson also briefed them on her shuttle diplomacy in getting the airlines to fly again, as well as getting countries to grant landing rights. France, the UK and the US have pledged to provide support with screening facilities at the ports of entry and departure, to step up already existing facilities.
(Photos: Supplied by AU)
