Category: APO-OPA

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — NOTICE

CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO
THE FORMER LIBERIAN REGIME OF CHARLES TAYLOR

On July 22, 2004, by Executive Order 13348, the President declared a national …

LILONGWE, Malawi, July 16, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — A team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Mr. Tsidi Tsikata, visited Lilongwe from July 7 to 15, 2014 to review recent economic developments, discuss the Government’s policy priorities, and assist with the development of the broad parameters of the Fiscal Year 2014/15 budget. The mission also took stock of program implementation under Malawi’s current Extended Credit Facility arrangement.1 At the end of the mission, Mr. Tsikata issued the following statement:

“Preliminary indications are that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2014 will be in the 5-6 percent range with strong contributions from the agriculture, information and communications, and wholesale and retail trade sectors. The ready availability of foreign exchange and fuel resulting from continuation of the flexible exchange rate regime and automatic fuel price adjustment mechanism will also support economic activity.

“The annual rate of inflation has been declining gradually in recent months, but remains high at 22.6 percent in May. The cashgate scandal and the associated loss of most budget support from Malawi’s development partners contributed to a sharp depreciation of the kwacha and a surge in inflation in the fourth quarter of 2013. In early 2014, with the approach of the tobacco season, foreign currency inflows began to increase, strengthening both the level of international reserves and the exchange rate, while food prices moderated with an abundant harvest. Under these influences, the annual rate of inflation resumed a downward trajectory.

“The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) lowered its policy interest rate from 25 percent to 22.5 percent last week, based on its assessment of a favorable outlook for inflation. In view of lingering uncertainties about underlying price pressures, the mission urged the RBM to stand ready to tighten its policy stance in the event the pace of disinflation is slower than anticipated.

“Performance under the ECF-supported program has been mixed. The end-June 2014 target for international reserves was met comfortably. However, several other targets—e.g., on net domestic assets of the RBM and on net domestic borrowing by the government—were missed by substantial amounts. There was progress in implementing structural measures aimed at strengthening public financial management and the stability of the banking system, but several took longer than programmed.

“Looking forward, public resources are significantly constrained due to the high interest cost of domestic debt and the need to address a significant accumulation of domestic payment arrears. In the face of such a tight budget constraint, fiscal discipline will be critical to ensuring that spending is kept in line with available resources. In this regard, the authorities intend to make some of their budgetary outlays in Fiscal Year 2014/15 contingent on disbursements of external assistance from Malawi’s development partners. While it is likely that some domestic borrowing may be needed this year to ensure delivery of basic services and avoidance of new payment arrears, it is important that these amounts be limited so as to lend support to the disinflation effort and preserve international reserves.

“The mission strongly supports the government’s intention to continue reforms in public financial management. It welcomes the authorities’ plan to consolidate the diverse reform elements under one organizational structure. Aggressive implementation of the strategy, well coordinated with other stakeholders, has the potential to deliver the improvements needed to protect public resources, improve the efficiency of their allocation, and re-establish a degree of public confidence and trust.

“The authorities have requested that the IMF mission return to Malawi in October for program discussions. The mission advised that a clear demonstration of prudent policies and strengthened adherence to commitments under the current program over the coming months will be important for the success of the program discussion.

“The mission met His Excellency President Arthur Peter Mutharika, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning and Development Goodall Gondwe, Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor Charles Chuka, Secretary to the Treasury Newby Kumwembe, other senior government and RBM officials, as well as representatives of the business community, civil society and Malawi’s development partners.

“The mission expresses its gratitude for the constructive spirit in which discussions with the authorities and all stakeholders were held.”

1 The Extended Credit Facility (ECF) has replaced the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) as the Fund’s main tool for medium-term financial support to low-income countries by providing a higher level of access to financing, more concessional terms, enhanced flexibility in program design features, and more focused streamlined conditionality. Financing under the ECF currently carries a zero interest rate, with a grace period of 5½ years, and a final maturity of 10 years. The Fund reviews the level of interest rates for all concessional facilities every two years.

JOHANNESBURG, South-Africa, July 16, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Business Connexion Group Limited (“BCX” or “the Company”) (http://www.bcx.co.za) announced today that Mr. Isaac Mophatlane has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the company with effect 1 August 2014. He will take over the role of his late brother, Mr. Benjamin Mophatlane, who passed away on 11 June 2014.

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1235 (Isaac Mophatlane has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Business Connexion Group Limited (“BCX”)

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/bcx.jpg

Isaac is currently BCX’s Head of Sales and Marketing and Group Executive of the Canoa division. Isaac, together with his twin brother Benjamin, co-founded what was then known as Business Connection in 1996 and has held various positions within the company over the past 18 years.

More recently, he provided leadership and direction in the Innovation division which houses BCX’s own software and packaged intellectual property prior to taking responsibility for the Canoa division which drives the group’s Managed Print Solutions offerings.

Commenting on the appointment, BCX Chairman Tony Ruiters, said: “Isaac has an intimate understanding of the Company, its operations and culture and his appointment as BCX CEO was a natural choice.

“Benjamin’s legacy gives us a strong foundation to build upon and I look forward to continue working closely with Isaac to realise the vision and growth ambitions of BCX, both in South Africa and across the continent.”

Isaac is a member of the Black Management Forum, the Electronic Industries Federation of South Africa and the Black Information Technology Forum. He is also the Deputy Non-executive Chairman of the Catholic Education Investment Company.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Business Connexion Group Limited.

For enquiries, please contact:

Palesa Madumo

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About BCX

BCX (http://www.bcx.co.za) is one of the largest information and communications technology (“ICT”) services providers listed on the JSE when measured in terms of turnover, total assets and staff complement with offices in South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, Botswana, the United Kingdom and Dubai. The Company employs more than 6800 people on the African continent and generates revenue in excess of R6 billion per annum.

As the largest IT outsourcer, BCX holds a strong position in the enterprise market across key industry verticals and enjoys a substantial presence in the retail sector locally. On the continent, BCX has successfully delivered large scale projects and is one of the leading cloud based services providers with significant data centres assets. The company also boasts strong strategic vendor relationships, application development capabilities and proprietary solutions which are leveraged in the public sector locally and abroad.

Since March 2014, BCX is undergoing a reorganisation process that will accelerate its positioning as a global player able to support client ambitions in SA and across Africa. The new customer-focused approach to continuous improvement for quality and excellence will see the current business units clustered into three divisions to improve collaboration – Converged Infrastructure Solutions, Business Solutions and Investments & Alliances.

LUANDA, Angola, July 16, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Ricardo Velloso, visited Luanda from July 1–14, 2014, to conduct discussions for the 2014 Article IV consultation.1

The mission met with Finance Minister Armando Manuel, Economy Minister Abrahão Gourgel, Commerce Minister Rosa Pacavira, Agriculture Minister Pedro Canga, Social Integration Minister João Baptista Kussumua, Construction Minister Waldemar Pires Alexandre, Petroleum Minister Botelho Vasconcelos, Central Bank Governor José Massano, as well as other senior officials of the executive branch. The mission also met with members of the Economic and Finance Commission of the National Assembly, and representatives from the financial sector, the non-financial private sector, and the state-owned oil company Sonangol, religious and non-governmental organizations, and the diplomatic community. At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Velloso, the IMF Mission Chief for Angola, issued the following statement:

“The IMF staff mission held productive discussions with the Angolan authorities focusing on recent economic developments and the outlook for the economy in the near and medium term, as well as on the policies and structural reforms to maintain macroeconomic and financial stability, diversify the economy, promote inclusive growth, and alleviate poverty.

“Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2014 is projected to moderate to 3.9 percent as the expansion in agricultural output slows—from last year’s estimated high growth—and because of a temporary drop in oil production during the first half of the year. For 2015, real GDP growth is projected to accelerate to 5.9 percent as non-oil real GDP growth remains robust and oil production recovers. Annual inflation has continued to trend down faster than expected and fell below 7 percent in May-June 2014. Inflation by the end of 2014 is projected to rise to 7½ percent because of the one-off effect on prices of the new import tariff schedule, before continuing to trend down through 2015 and beyond. Central bank gross international reserves stood at the end of May 2014 at a comfortable US$ 31.2 billion.

“The fiscal expansion being implemented under the 2014 budget is taking place at a time of softening oil revenue that has led to a significant deterioration in the overall fiscal balance. A more cautious fiscal stance seems warranted to limit rising gross financing needs and save part of the oil wealth for future generations. Accommodating the authorities’ ambitious capital expenditure program will require a stronger domestic revenue effort, restraining the growth of current spending, and improving public investment efficiency.

“Maintaining fiscal and monetary policy buffers to protect against a downturn in oil revenue remains critical. In this context it will be important to develop an oil stabilization fund, with clear deposit and withdrawal rules, and improve coordination in the management of Angola’s public financial assets and liabilities.

“The authorities’ emphasis on addressing the country’s infrastructure deficit is well placed, but this should be completed by accelerating structural reforms to strengthen the business environment and facilitate growth. While the recent increase in import tariffs is expected to boost domestic production, it will be important to review periodically and withdraw this increased protection before vested interests become entrenched.

“Continued successful de-dollarization will depend on appropriate macroeconomic policies and market incentives. Key elements will be the expected further decline in inflation and increased use of the local market for government bonds to further develop kwanza denominated debt instruments.

“Angola has been strengthening financial sector governance, and it will be important to continue ongoing efforts to further strengthen bank supervision.

“The collection and dissemination of economic data and information is essential to business development and needs to be given high priority. Providing Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE) with adequate resources and autonomy to carry out its mandate will be important.

“The IMF staff team thanks the Angolan authorities for their cooperation and for the arrangements made to facilitate the mission’s work in Luanda.”

The IMF Executive Board is expected to discuss the 2014 Article IV consultation in September 2014.

1 Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with its member countries, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

DAKAR, Sénégal, July 16, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and High-Level Representative of the Secretary-General to Nigeria, Mr. Said Djinnit, has ended today his third visit to the country, from 11 to 15 July.

During the visit, Mr. Djinnit held consultations with Government officials and the leadership of the National Assembly, former Heads of State, heads of defense and security services and agencies, civil society organisations including the “Bring Back our Girls” Movement and religious leaders. He also met with Ms. Malala Yousafzai, Girls Education activist on visit to Nigeria.

He also interacted with regional and international partners involved in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to address the insecurity in the North East, and they reviewed and discussed their support to Nigeria’s efforts in facing the scourge of terrorism in light of the conclusions of the Paris and London meetings.

Said Djinnit reviewed, with all his interlocutors, progress being made in efforts to rescue the abducted Chibok school girls and to address the larger crisis resulting from the activities of Boko Haram group. He encouraged Government officials to pursue their multi-dimensional approach to addressing insecurity and insurgency in North-Eastern Nigeria. The High Representative further encouraged Government’s ongoing efforts towards the safe release of the abducted girls. In this regard, he paid tribute to a cross section of Nigerians for their engagement for, and solidarity support to, the abducted school girls and other abductees and their families. He welcomed the crucial efforts deployed by religious leaders in support of peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

Mr. Djinnit reiterated the continued support of the United Nations to Nigeria’s efforts, particularly in the area of coordination for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and for capacity building with regard to Human Rights and international Humanitarian Law as well as counter terrorism.

He stressed the commitment of the United Nations to the unity and stability of Nigeria and the consolidation of its democratic achievements. He reiterated his appeal to all leaders to look beyond political divides and work together in addressing the insecurity and insurgency confronting the nation.

With Girls Education activist, Ms. Malala Yousafzai, Mr. Djinnit discussed psycho-social and material support to the abductees, their families and the affected communities.

Mr. Said Djinnit met with the United Nations Country Team in Abuja to review progress made in the implementation of the UN Integrated Support package.

GARMISCH, Germany, July 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The opening ceremony for African Endeavor consisted of a roll call of nations with representatives, one at a time, standing and being recognized with a round of applause. But unlike the previous eight gatherings, this is the first time representatives from the United Nations, United Kingdom, Madagascar and USAID have participated. And it’s the first time in the history of African Endeavor that the exercise has been held somewhere other than Africa; this year gathering in Garmisch, Germany.

“I am really looking forward to being able to share our experiences with you, but more importantly, learning from your experiences across all the nations here and how we can better work alongside you in the future,“ said first time participant COL. Craig Sutherland of the British Army.

According to organizers, however, the “who” and the “where” isn’t the biggest difference between African Endeavor 2014 (AE14) and all previous exercises. AE14 is heading in a new direction said COL. Patrick Dedham, Director of U.S. Africa Command’s (AFRICOM) Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems Directorate (J6).

“This is about taking it from the tactical and moving it towards the operational and strategic level where AFRICOM should be and working with the components to take over the tactical piece of African Endeavor so that we’re not doing African Endeavor once a year, we’re doing it throughout the year,” said Dedham.

Africa Endeavor is an AFRICOM sponsored communications exercise that focuses on information sharing and interoperability between African nations. Since it was first held in 2006, more than 1,700 communication specialists have attended. And with 32 African and European nations here, as well as representatives from the African Union, NATO, and the United Nations, it is easily AFRICOM’s most diverse exercise.

“It’s an incredible exercise. It’s a great collection of people that can really make a difference,” said Dedham.

Africa Endeavor’s primary objective is to increase the command, control and communications capacities of African nations by encouraging interoperable tactics, training and procedures, and creating documented standards that support interoperability. This allows African nations to provide critical support to the African Union and other forces involved in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and peacekeeping missions.

“To be able to speak directly and frankly with one another so that we can improve our communications face-to-face and discuss what the problems, this is one of the best ways for us to respond to a crisis on the continent,” said LTC Khaled Ben Ammar of the Tunisia Armed Forces. “These situations demand a collective response so it’s very important we have this opportunity to meet in person.”

Over the course of the four day exercise, representatives will be split into five different regions and face two separate tabletop scenarios that will test their ability to develop a strategic and operation plan in response to a mock crisis.

“I hope they walk away with the knowledge of who to call, new relationships through networking, people they can call for help to coordinate and synchronize their efforts. I also want them to walk away with some good techniques, tactics and procedures that they can use at the strategic level to plan for contingency operations,” said Dedham.

ABUJA, Nigeria, July 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Islamist insurgency Boko Haram in Nigeria killed at least 2,053 civilians in an estimated 95 attacks during the first half of 2014, Human Rights Watch said today. The figures are based on detailed analyses of media reports as well as field investigations. The killings and other abuses were part of widespread attacks on civilians in over 70 towns and villages in northeastern Nigeria, in the federal capital, Abuja, and elsewhere that are apparent crimes against humanity.

There has been a dramatic increase during 2014 in the numbers of casualties from bomb blasts, including several apparent suicide bombings. Since January, at least 432 people have been reported killed in 14 blasts in crowded marketplaces, a brothel, a technical college, and, on two occasions, places where people were watching soccer matches. Three of these attacks were in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital; two in Kano; two in Jos, the Plateau state capital; and three in Abuja, the federal capital. The Abuja attacks may demonstrate a southward trend of Boko Haram operations, Human Rights Watch said.

“Boko Haram is effectively waging war on the people of northeastern Nigeria at a staggering human cost,” said Corinne Dufka, West Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “Atrocities committed as part of a widespread attack on civilians are crimes against humanity, for which those responsible need to be held to account.”

The bulk of the attacks and casualties credibly reported and investigated by Human Rights Watch took place in Borno State, the birthplace of Boko Haram, where 1,446 people died. Attacks killed 151 in Adamawa state and 143 civilians in Yobe state.

Human Rights Watch compiled the figures by analyzing credible local and international media reports, and the findings of human rights groups, as well as interviewing witnesses and victims of numerous attacks. The media reports generally quoted villagers, hospital and morgue workers, police and military officials, and local leaders who had observed, registered, counted or buried the dead. In the vast majority of cases, Boko Haram forces appeared to deliberately target civilians.

Since 2009, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, Nigeria’s Islamist insurgency popularly known as Boko Haram, has waged a violent campaign against the government to impose its authority under Sharia (Islamic) law. Widespread poverty, corruption, security force abuses, and longstanding impunity for a range of crimes have created a fertile ground in Nigeria for militant armed groups like Boko Haram.

The pace of attacks has dramatically intensified in remote villages since May 2013, when the federal government imposed a state of emergency in the northern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.

In many of the attacks Boko Haram gunmen fired on civilians, such as people gathered in busy marketplaces, places of worship, and residential neighborhoods. In three villages in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, in early June, Boko Haram fighters impersonated military personnel to round up hundreds of villagers, then opened fire on them, media reports said. Two local chiefs from Attagara, one of the villages, told journalists they had buried 110 people killed in the attack.

On May 6, Boko Haram fighters allegedly killed 336 villagers in the twin towns of Gamboru-Ngala during an attack in which they used two armored personnel carriers they had stolen from the Nigerian military several months earlier. Residents reported that the villages had been burned to the ground.

Boko Haram’s kidnapping of 276 girls from a school in Chibok in April was not its only attack on schools in the northeast. In February, Boko Haram militants locked the doors to a boys’ dormitory of the Federal Government College of Buni Yadi, a secondary school near Damaturu, Yobe State and set the building on fire, killing 59.

Boko Haram forces have abducted and otherwise abused hundreds of women and girls during the attacks. Human Rights Watch will release a report in coming weeks on abuses by Boko Haram against girls and women, based on interviews with victims and witnesses in June. The report will also examine the deficiencies in the Nigerian government’s response to these abuses.

The killings and other abuses by Boko Haram appear to rise to the level of crimes against humanity. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Nigeria is a party, defines crimes against humanity as various criminal offenses, including murder, torture and rape that are “committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population, with knowledge of the attack.” Such crimes can be committed by a government or a non-state group. They must be widespread or systematic, but need not be both. “Widespread” refers to the scale of the acts or number of victims. A “systematic” attack indicates “a pattern or methodical plan.”

Since 2009, and increasingly since mid-2013, Boko Haram has carried out several hundred attacks against civilians and civilian structures in schools, marketplaces, and places of worship in villages, towns and even cities. The nature and frequency of the attacks indicate the actions of an organized movement. This is evidenced by the presence of convoys of trucks, motorbikes, and occasionally armored personnel carriers with well-armed gunmen; the fashion in which gunmen were seen deploying in and around the target or setting up checkpoints; and the planning required to infiltrate the cities in which attacks took place.

Human Rights Watch and other national and international human rights groups have also documented abuses by the Nigerian Security Forces since 2009 as they responded to the attacks by Boko Haram. These include excessive use of force, burning homes, physical abuse, and extrajudicial killings of those suspected of supporting Boko Haram. Amnesty International found that following a March 14 Boko Haram attack on Giwa Barracks that led to the escape of hundreds of detainees, the security forces executed hundreds of the unarmed recaptured detainees.

Security forces have rounded up hundreds of men and boys suspected of supporting Boko Haram, detained them in inhuman conditions and physically abused or killed them. Many others have been forcibly disappeared. The Nigerian government should account for the “disappeared” and ensure that all law enforcement operations are conducted in full accordance with international human rights standards.

“No matter how egregious the violence, Nigerian security forces engaged in operations against Boko Haram may not operate outside the law,” Dufka said. “The Nigerian government should recognize that it needs to protect its population both from Boko Haram and from abusive members of its own military and police.”

BERLIN, Germany, July 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — In view of the ongoing violence in Libya, a Federal Foreign Office spokesperson issued the following statement today (13 July):
“The German Government is deeply concerned about the v…

BAMAKO, Mali, July 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Mr. Pierre Buyoya, Head of the African Union (AU) Mission for Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL) officially launched today, 14 July 2014, its first humanitarian activity in Mali at a press conference. Entitled “Hampers from the Heart”, it is to provide food and nutrition assistance to poor families, especially those most affected by the crisis endured by Mali since 2012, including the internally displaced persons. Indeed, as underscored by Pierre Buyoya on that occasion, “the well-being of the people and meeting their basic needs contribute to peace and stability of the region.”

These hampers, comprising basic foodstuffs, will be distributed to the needy families, not only in northern Mali but wherever it is required. As from 23 July 2014 the first food hampers will be distributed in Kidal, in northern Mali, thanks to an agreement signed, today, with the Malian Red Cross. It should be noted that the launch of this activity, aimed at providing relief to families, was made ??possible through an initial donation of the African Union of U.S. $ 40,000 or approximately 19.3 million CFA francs and a donation of four (4) tons of sugar and oil by the Malian Distribution Company (SODIMA). This distribution will provide food and nutritional support to approximately one thousand (1000) families in Kidal and Bamako for a month.

Inviting the private sector of Mali to follow the example of SODIMA, Pierre Buyoya urged them to “ensure that African solidarity is not an empty word.” “Through your donations, your contributions, you, Malians, can act in favour of peace in Mali and ensure that your country regains its wounded dignity. Thanks to your contributions, these families will be aware that you have not forgotten them and that they, too, are part of this great family of Mali” he added.

GENEVA, Switzerland, July 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Epidemiology and surveillance

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to closely monitor the evolving Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The current epidemic trend in Sierra Leone and Liberia remains serious, with high numbers of new cases and deaths being reported. Between 8 – 12 July 2014, 79 new cases, and 65 deaths were reported from Liberia and Sierra. In Liberia, 30 new cases and 13 deaths were reported, while in Sierra Leone, 49 new cases and 52 deaths have been reported. These include suspect, probable and laboratory confirmed cases. This trend indicates that a high level of transmission of the Ebola Virus continues to take place in the community. The epidemic situation in Guinea is being closely observed, with 6 new cases and 3 deaths reported between 8 – 12 July 2014. The respective Ministries of Health are working with WHO and partners to step up outbreak containment measures.

Health sector response

As a follow up action to the Emergency Ministerial meeting in Accra, the Regional Director, WHO African Region has taken a decision to re-deploy senior, technical, and support staff to the sub-regional coordination centre that is being established in Conakry, Guinea. The personnel re-assigned include a Director, Regional Advisors, epidemiologists, communication experts, social mobilization specialists, data managers, administrative officers, and other support staff. Preparation to establish the coordination centre is being finalized, with operations of the centre scheduled to be activated on 15 July 2014. The centre will act as a control and coordination platform, consolidating and harmonizing the technical support to the West African countries including assisting in resource mobilization.

The three affected countries, with support from WHO, have initiated the process of reviewing and updating the current EVD national response plans. This exercise will lead to the development of prioritized national operational plans, aligned to the inter-country strategy adopted by the Ministers of Health in Accra. The operational plan will clearly highlight priority interventions and map out the required resources (human, financial, and logistics) for effective implementation of the outbreak containment measures. In addition, these documents will be vital for mobilization of the additional resources.

WHO is currently supporting the affected countries to strengthen contact tracing, as one of the most effective outbreak containment measures. Early detection and prompt isolation of new EVD cases is requisite for interrupting secondary transmission of Ebola virus in the community. Therefore, WHO supported the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) of Liberia to identify and train 107 community volunteers and 33 supervisors. In Sierra Leone, a total of 296 community volunteers have been trained. The trained volunteers have been deployed in the affected communities to conduct contact tracing and ensure immediate evacuation of suspected EVD cases from the community. In response to a request from MOHSW Liberia, WHO, with support from the Government of the United States of America, has supplied personal protective equipment (PPE) for and other medical supplies to Liberia in order to ensure the safety of health-care workers in their response efforts. This donation, was handed over to MOHSW Liberia on 26 June and 3 July, included PPE appropriate for use by both clinical care and burial teams. On 14 July, additional supplies, including backpack sprayers and hand sprayers for disinfection as well disposal bags for biohazard wastes, were delivered to the country.

WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions be applied to Guinea, Liberia, or Sierra Leone based on the current information available for this event.

Disease update

New cases and deaths attributable to EVD continue to be reported by the Ministries of Health in the three West African countries of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Between 8 – 12 July, 2014, 85 new cases of EVD, including 68 new deaths, were reported from the three countries as follows: Guinea, 6 new cases and 3 deaths; Liberia, 30 new cases with 13 deaths; and Sierra Leone 49 new cases and 52 deaths. These numbers include laboratory-confirmed, probable, and suspect cases and deaths of EVD.

As of 12 July 2014, the cumulative number of cases attributed to EVD in the three countries stands at 964, including 603 deaths. The distribution and classification of the cases are as follows: Guinea, 406 cases (297 confirmed, 92 probable, and 17 suspected) and 304 deaths (198 confirmed, 92 probable, and 14 suspected); Liberia, 172 cases (70 confirmed, 41 probable, and 61 suspected) and 105 deaths (48 confirmed, 33 probable, and 24 suspected); and Sierra Leone, 386 cases (339 confirmed, 37 probable, and 10 suspected) and 194 deaths (151 confirmed, 38 probable, and 5 suspected).

Confirmed, probable, and suspect cases and deaths from Ebola virus disease in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, as of 12 July 2014

New 1 Confirmed Probable Suspect Totals

(by Country)

Guinea

Cases 6 297 92 17 406

Deaths 3 198 92 14 304

Liberia

Cases 30 70 41 61 172

Deaths 13 48 33 24 105

Sierra Leone

Cases 49 339 37 10 386

Deaths 52 151 38 5 194

Totals

Cases 85 706 170 88 964

Deaths 68 397 163 43 603

1. New cases were reported between 8 and 12 July 2014.

The total number of cases is subject to change due to reclassification, retrospective investigation, consolidation of cases and laboratory data, and enhanced surveillance. Data reported in the Disease Outbreak News are based on best available information reported by Ministries of Health.