United States Ambassador to Ghana, Gene Cretz, addressed the ECOWAS Ebola High-Level Meeting, expressing gratitude to key leaders and organizations for their roles in combating the Ebola crisis. He praised "the West African Health Organization and its Director General Dr. Xavier Crespin, ECOWAS," and expressed appreciation for President John Dramani Mahama's leadership as Chair of ECOWAS. Ambassador Cretz also thanked President Faure Gnassingbe for managing ECOWAS's response to the crisis.
Cretz welcomed Ismail Ould Cheick Ahmed, the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for UNMEER, noting that while the task ahead is significant, progress is being made. He reiterated the U.S. commitment to working with West African nations and global allies against Ebola.
The U.S. government has contributed nearly $900 million in resources to anti-Ebola efforts across West Africa. This includes building 17 Ebola Treatment Units, funding safe burial teams in Sierra Leone, and providing ambulances to Guinea. The recent approval of additional funding by Congress was highlighted as a crucial element in ongoing efforts.
Cretz emphasized collaboration among international partners as essential in overcoming the crisis. He acknowledged President Obama's administration for recognizing early on that an international coalition was necessary. The American private sector's involvement was also commended.
He cited President Mahama's metaphor: “if your neighbor’s house is on fire you have to help him to quench it,” underscoring the importance of cooperation.
The ambassador called for a long-term perspective in combating Ebola, urging stakeholders to consider future impacts while addressing immediate needs. He noted that while efforts have been reactive thus far, it's important to focus on sustainable outcomes and infrastructure development.
Cretz concluded by commending attendees' progress and acknowledging field workers' sacrifices during this crisis.