Heal The Planet Global Organisation (HTP) is deeply concerned by what appears to be an inadequate international response to the fight against Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other affected countries.
We are surprised by the limited international mobilisation to deploy medical teams and provide the necessary resources to help contain this deadly virus at its source. While Uganda, China, and some personnel from the World Health Organization (WHO) have contributed medical support, the global response must be strengthened through broader international cooperation and solidarity.
Instead of relying primarily on travel restrictions against citizens from countries where outbreaks have occurred, the international community should prioritise deploying medical personnel, medicines, equipment, funding, and other essential resources directly to affected communities. The battle against deadly infectious diseases must be fought where they emerge, before they cross borders and threaten the entire world.
HTP is concerned that the world may not have fully learned the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic. The devastating consequences of that crisis demonstrated that infectious diseases do not respect national borders. Earlier and stronger international support for China during the initial stages of the outbreak might have helped strengthen containment efforts and reduce the risk of wider transmission. The experience should serve as a lasting reminder that global health security depends on collective action, early intervention, and shared responsibility.
We therefore appeal to the international community, including governments, the WHO, international humanitarian organisations, medical institutions, and development partners, to urgently mobilise resources and deploy qualified medical professionals to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya and Nigeria facing Ebola outbreaks or related public health emergencies.
Travel restrictions alone cannot defeat Ebola. What is needed is a coordinated global response that protects affected communities, supports frontline health workers, strengthens healthcare systems, and prevents further transmission.
The world is only as safe as its collective ability to protect the most vulnerable. Let us not wait until Ebola becomes a global emergency before acting decisively.
Heal The Planet Global Organisation calls upon all nations to demonstrate compassion, responsibility, and international solidarity by taking the battle to the affected territories and stopping the virus before it spreads further.
Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L.H.D (Hon)
President
Heal The Planet Global Organisation (HTP)
