Remarks by H.E. Mr. ESTIFANOS Afeworki, Ambassador of theState of Eritrea and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps,
Japan National Press Club November 21, 2014

Ambassador Norio MARUYAMA, Director General of the African Affairs
Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan,
Mr. Kazuo MIYATA, Japan National Press Club,
Excellencies and Colleagues,
Members of Press Corps present,
Ladies and gentlemen,
As we all know, present day science and medicine have made tremendous
progress and accomplishments in protecting humanity from threats ofcontinued epidemics caused by the migration of unknown virus, bacteria,fungi and protozoan microorganisms to human beings from wild plants andanimals and their habitats. The recent outbreak of Bird Flu and SARS in
Asia and secondary cases elsewhere in the world can be mentioned as
example. Unfortunately, the ominous danger posed by series of attacks of
unknown and known species of microorganisms on human beings as well aslack of universal access to medicine and science still remain a greatchallenge. The Ebola virus is one of these challenges. It causes an acute,serious illness which is often fatal if untreated. Ebola virus disease first
appeared in two simultaneous outbreaks in the tropical forests of Africa in1976.
According to the latest situation report of WHO, a total of 14 098 "confirmed,probable, and suspected" cases of Ebola virus disease have been reported in
six affected countries (Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Spain and the1United States of America) and two previously affected countries (Nigeria andSenegal) up to the end of 9 November, 2014. There have been 5160 reported
deaths. Hence, as we witness today, science and medicine have failed to curb
this disease which was identified and reported before 42 years.
As we speak, authorities and scientists have been mobilized from all over theworld to keep the disease from spreading out to all other countries including
those who are hit internally. As a result of these, various programs havebeen extended currently to the affected countries Guinea, Liberia and Sierra
Leone and globally. World Health Organization (WHO) and the international
community have continued to redouble their efforts to find a fundamental
solution to this disease including but not excluding the development of avaccine.
Despite this situation and other limited assurances of successful treatmentof the disease, the public, all over the world, are panicking and overreacting
gripped with fear. The spill over of this fear is curtailing the service that
could be rendered by medical workers in this emergency. This surge ofoverwhelming anxiety and fear is leading to other political, social andeconomic problems. It has triggered movement of people, cargo and mail towithdraw or be curtailed from normal activities. It is also affecting trade byadversely affecting the global movement of people, cargo and mail to/ fromAfrica.
On the other hand proper safety net mechanisms are being put in place not
only by the countries affected but by all other countries, all over the globe,
including by the other 50 African countries - because these deadly virus has
no color, creed, race or national flag.

These fundamental scientificapproach and efforts, I believe, are capable to reduce, if not eliminate, thecurrent situation of panic as well as to regain the control of the current
epidemic.
Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the African Diplomatic Corps here2

in Tokyo believe that this global panic attacks can be cured and the sooner
we seek mechanisms to cope with it, the better. Media, art, music etc. areimportant mechanisms that must be used to increase understanding,vigilance, awareness of the public to desist spreading fear and to express
solidarity and sympathy to those people who have fallen victim to this deadly
but curable decease. Therefore, ceasing this occasion of this conference on
Ebola today, I would call upon the press corps in Japan to play a positiverole.
I would also like to express, on behalf of the African Diplomatic Corps inTokyo and myself, our profound gratitude and thanks to the Government
and people of Japan for the support provided to combat the Ebola outbreakin Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Medicine, science, public solidarity andmedia-power of Japan have been availed and mobilized to help keep thedisease under control and to help the countries and people currently affectedby this epidemic.
Without much ado and with this short note, let me ask the Ambassador of
the Republic of Guinea H.E. Mr. Senkoum SYLLA and the Ambassador of
the Republic of Liberia H.E. Ms. Youngor TELEWODA to take the floor toexplain the current situation of the outbreak and challenges faced in theirrespective countries and west Africa.
Thank you3