United Nations –  The UN system will work with national governments and regional partners to ensure that all investments in fighting Ebola serve as the basis for carrying out longer-term recovery for strengthening national health systems.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon made this known on Tuesday in New York at the General Assembly Informal Plenary on Ebola.

Ban said that success demands sustained engagement.

“I call on the General Assembly to continue lending its political weight to this effort and I call on donors to continue their contributions.

“To lose support and focus now will be tragic.
“All of your investments, sacrifices and lives lost and all of the risks that the relief workers took will be squandered if the outbreak recurs,” he said.

Ban said that on July 10, he would be convening an International Ebola Recovery Conference.
“It will address these issues and help mobilise the resources needed to start early recovery.

“We must also translate lessons learned from this Ebola outbreak into stronger national and international systems to prevent and respond to health crises.

“That is why I have commissioned an independent High-Level Panel on the Global Response to Health Crises, led by President Kikwete of Tanzania.

“My appeal to you is clear: we are in the last mile of the response, but the job is not done.
“We need you to persist in supporting the region in getting to a resilient zero case and then the beginning to recovery,” he said.

“The world has come together to address this outbreak but our investments and sacrifices can be lost unless we complete the job.’’

Ban said that the UN General Assembly President Sam Kutesa had shown wise leadership.
He thanked Kutesa for his strong commitment and leadership.

Ban also welcomed Mr Peter Graaff, his new Acting Special Representative of the UN Mission, who was critical in Liberia’s progress as the Ebola Crisis Manager.

He thanked his Special Envoy, Dr David Nabarro, saying his efforts were key to the success in raising awareness and mobilising resources.

“We have made great strides toward bringing the outbreak under control.
“Liberia was declared Ebola-free on May 9, after 42 days with no new cases.

”This is remarkable progress in what was once the worst affected country.

“It proves the power of strong national leadership, proactive national responders and communities as well as international support in solidarity with the country’s people,” he said.

He said: ”We cannot celebrate yet.’’
“As long as there are Ebola cases in any country in the region, all countries are at risk.
“I commend President Sirleaf Johnson for her strong stance in ensuring that Liberia remains vigilant.”

“Overall, case figures are significantly lower than early this year and last year,’’ he said. (NAN)