GENEVA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- As the Ebola virus disease outbreak approaches the anniversary of the first case in Guinea, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warns that efforts must be sustained in order to contain the epidemic.
IFRC said in a statement that for some weeks, messages of hope have finally been emerging from the three most affected countries in West Africa.
"While we are beginning to see the positive results of operations put in place to tackle the disease, the fight is not over. In fact, this may be just the beginning," said the statement.
Elhadj As Sy, Secretary General of IFRC, said efforts must continue at the scale and speed necessary to bring the ongoing outbreaks under control.
"The operations of the Red Cross and Red Crescent and partners are having a real impact on Ebola in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, but we must not be complacent," he said.
"The progress we are making against Ebola gives us encouragement that our collective approach is on the right path, and strengthens our resolve to continue until the outbreaks are contained," he added.
"The situation, however, is not clear cut," the statement stated.
In Gueckddou, Guinea, the initial epicentre of the outbreak, there has been a recent spike in new infections. This is also the case in Macenta, where the French Red Cross recently opened an isolation center.
In Sierra Leone, while there are signs that measures taken in the most affected areas are effective, new cases are flaring up in previously unaffected regions, putting even more pressure on scarce resources. In the capital city, Freetown, the number of new cases is rising with a similar pattern that was seen recently in Monrovia, Liberia.
IFRC also noted the confirmation of cases in Mali also reminded that "we cannot afford to let the momentum drop in terms of education, care and preparedness."
"While keeping a focus remains on the three countries at the heart of this crisis, we are expanding our assistance to neighboring countries to help them be prepared," said Sy.
In support to Red Cross societies in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Mali, and in coordination with International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, the ongoing operation has mobilized more than 10,000 volunteers and 200 international delegates to scale up efforts in social mobilization, safe and dignified burials, contact tracing, psychosocial support, and clinical case management.
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