STATEMENT BY THE PARLIAMENTARY LEADERSHIP ON DEMISE OF DR. SHEKU UMAR KHAN

It was with deep shock and dismay that we received the news of the demise of one of the bravest sons of Sierra Leone, Dr. Sheku Umar Khan, a frontline champion in the battle against the deadly Ebola disease.

We are particularly heartened by his selfless determination to save the lives of fellow compatriots who were struck with this most virulent of viral diseases.

The Sierra Leone and West African strain is reportedly more widespread and more fatal than previous outbreaks, including the first ever Ebola outbreak in the DRC.

The Speaker of Parliament and the Leadership of the House have in separate statements, expressed solidarity with the many families who have lost loved ones to the tragic consequences of the infection. 

We continue to call on every Sierra Leonean to observe good hygiene and the public health authorities to enforce the Public Health Act of 1960.

It is sobering that Dr. Khan has made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting to save others. But we cannot relent in the crusade against this deadly scourge. 

We stand with HE the President and all stakeholders and partners in the relentless pursuit of a solution and will do all in our power to support the commendable efforts of our foot soldiers in the frontline - our Doctors and nurses, so as to bring this wanton loss of precious lives to an end.

We call on all communities to recognize the reality of this disease, aggressiveness of its virus and to take preventive measures against infection so that we can curb and finally eliminate this menace from our society.