Guinea free of Ebola, World Health Organization says

Guinea free of Ebola, World Health Organization says

The West African country is where Ebola emerged two years ago, later spreading to neighboring Liberia and Sierra Leone.

“This is the first time that all three countries — Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone — have stopped the original chains of transmission that were responsible for starting this devastating outbreak two years ago,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa.

On Tuesday, about 50 Ebola survivors, journalists, and family members of those who lost loved ones gathered at WHO’s Ebola headquarters in Conakry, where the mood was of celebration, mixed with sadness.

Guinea will hold a big celebration Wednesday, overseen by President Alpha Conde and including testimonies by Ebola survivors.

Guinea had the fewest Ebola cases of the three countries, but its bigger size, extensive remote areas and a stigma and distrust of health workers allowed the outbreak to persist longer in the country.

Trained investigators within the three West African countries will help stop and prevent threats, rapid tests are available and emergency operation centers are in place to oversee a robust response.