People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
World Health Organization (WHO): Ebola
The first recorded case of Ebola occurred in 1976 by the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since the major outbreak in 2014, the virus has caused about 11,325 reported deaths according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC). The virus, concentrated mainly in western African countries such as Nigeria and Sierra Leone, is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids such as saliva and sweat. Solving the issue of ebola is critical, for the reason that it’s spread to neighboring countries and beyond will affect trade networks, medical supplies, and more.
Algeria is a mere 2,230 km from Nigeria, one of the main western African countries in which the Ebola outbreak began. In 2014, the World Health Organization cautioned that the spread of Ebola was a threat to Algeria, as many cases were reported in our neighboring countries, Mauritania and Mali. As Ebola spread, we have been forced to freeze trade transactions with countries such as Nigeria where Ebola is concentrated. Algeria has been forced to divert many of our funds to border healthcare systems to prevent the entry of Ebola, special protections for medical staff treating the disease, and much more in relation to averting the further spread of the disease into our country. So far, we have prevented Ebola from penetrating our borders, but the strain on our resources is increasing.
As a member of the UN, we have urged international assistance to countries hit by Ebola. We have allowed travel without full bans, provided a clean bill of health, as many countries have. Through the screening process for entry, we have quarantined diseased individuals, and gathered information which we have contributed to research for the treatment of ebola.
As described above, Algeria has put forth much effort to control the spread of Ebola. Our hopes from this committee begins by further increasing international aide. Many countries have already been working to support the affected countries, but we wish to see near 100% of countries with the resources to spare sending aide. As part of this, we want to enhance research efforts on how the virus can be treated.
Aside from curing and aiding, we also wish to prevent the spread of Ebola. Our system of screening for infection before allowing in possible travellers from affected countries has thus far prevented an outbreak in our country, and has allowed for a more in-depth research into the disease. The spread of this policy to other countries will help enhance research as mentioned above while preventing the spread of new cases.
- Paityn Reens
