U.N. Staff Union Expresses Concern Over Ebola Response

By an IPS Correspondent Reprint | | Print |

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 14 2014 (IPS) - As thousands of U.N. staff volunteer to work in Ebola-stricken countries in Africa, the Staff Union has called for safety measures to protect personnel on the ground.

The Staff Union said Tuesday it was deeply saddened by the loss of another colleague due to the West African Ebola outbreak.

With the United Nations sending in more staff to meet this emergency situation, questions must be asked on whether adequate resources are in place to protect UN personnel and their families from this deadly disease, said a statement released here.

“We are devastated about the loss of our colleague and our thoughts are with his family at this time,” said Ian Richards, the Vice-Chair of the UN Staff-Management Committee.

“Ebola has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. It is natural that UN workers should want to be part of the solution, out on the front line, helping those in need.”

“For this reason we call on Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to make sure all staff can get the protection they need, if necessary be evacuated to the best health care, and have access to cutting-edge drugs.”

Thousands of staff have volunteered to join the new UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER), but the Organization’s growing presence raises concerns that have not been answered.

The Staff Union and its Standing Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service again emphasize that safety measures and policies must be in place beforehand and that all personnel, both national and international, must be given equal treatment if exposed to the disease.

With no proven treatment and no vaccine, the situation is more than dangerous and quality medical care, access to experimental drugs and medical evacuation must be guaranteed.

The Union, on behalf of all its members, once again extends its heartfelt sympathy to the families and colleagues of the victims of this disease.