U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Friday that Ebola is devastating West African economies that had been “vibrant and growing” before the outbreak hit, and that more than 3,000 children have been orphaned because of the virus.
Speaking in New York, the secretary warned the international community it must brace for the aftermath of Ebola’s scourge in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, which has killed more than 6,000 and continues to spread despite progress in certain regions.
“Families have lost income. More than 3,300 children have been orphaned, ” he told an U.N. panel on economic and social issues. “The social and economic impact has been broad and deep. It will long outlast the outbreak itself.”
A new U.N. report says Ebola is disproportionately affecting people who are economically active. For instance, of those infected in Sierra Leone fall into the 15-49 age group.
The report calls for new loan programs and investment in the upcoming planting season, because many regions hard-hit by Ebola rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
The outbreak is striking countries that were on the rebound socially and economically. In Liberia, the nation had just regained its footing after years of civil war.
“The three most affected countries have experienced significant development setbacks. Hard-won peace dividends are being eroded,” Mr. Ki-moon said, according to a U.N. transcript of his remarks. “Before the Ebola outbreak, the economies of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone were vibrant and growing. Now they are weak and stagnant. Incomes are down. Prices have risen. Markets are bare. People are hungry.
“That is why,” he added, “it is imperative that while we work to end the Ebola outbreak, we must also begin to focus on recovery.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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