In anticipation of the virus, the Indonesian Muslims leaving for the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca must be provided with adequate information, so that they can take preventive measures against the deadly disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on August 8, 2014, announced that the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
WHO had reported the outbreak to bolster efforts and to garner the international communitys cooperation in containing and reducing the spread of the decease.
Indonesian Hajj Supervisory Commission Chairman Slamet Effendi Yusuf has said the spread of Ebola virus should be a concern of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
"The WHO has said a coordinated international response was deemed essential to stop the spread of Ebola, and therefore, it is a timely reminder for the Government of Indonesia to protect its people from the threat of the deadly disease," Slamet noted.
Accordingly, he called on the government to prevent the possible spread of Ebola virus to the prospective hajj pilgrims by taking various measures and precautions.
Slamet also urged the Health Ministry and Religious Affairs Ministry to immediately monitor the development of Ebola virus, and provide a proper training to the pilgrims about preventive measures.
The Ebola outbreak, however, will not lead to a travel restriction for those wishing to go on hajj pilgrimage.
The Religious Affairs Ministrys Director General of Hajj and Umrah, Abdul Djamil, has said travel warning was not required for prospective Indonesian hajj pilgrims in relation with Ebola virus.
"Travel warning is not necessary, as it will result in panic among prospective hajj pilgrims over the spread of Ebola virus," Djamil said here on Wednesday.
He noted that it could be considered a warning for the Indonesian Muslims to be careful when performing their religious duties at the holy city of Mecca this year.
Damil remarked that the Ministry of Religious Affairs is currently coordinating with concerned authorities, such as the Ministry of Health Affairs and hajj health centers, to determine the necessary steps for keeping the prospective hajj pilgrims from being infected by the deadly virus.
He said it was not necessary for Indonesia to issue the travel warning against the spread of Ebola virus from the African countries Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
He, however, said a meeting will be held to discuss ways of providing health service to the pilgrims and anticipate the spread of Ebola virus.
"Saudi Arabian health officials are examining a suspected Ebola patient, and therefore, we should not be negligent," Djamil noted.
He added that the Health Ministry had held an internal meeting with the representatives of health departments from all provinces to discuss the issue.
"We have sufficient number of hajj health officials to provide the best possible service. Therefore, we ask the prospective hajj pilgrims to stay calm and take preventive measures," he said.
During a visit on Tuesday to hajj pilgrim dormitory in Bekasi, West Java, Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Syaifuddin claimed that his office had taken numerous anticipatory measures to prevent possible entry of Ebola virus into Indonesia through the hajj pilgrims.
"Contagion is possible when hajj pilgrims from various countries gather to carry out hajj rituals in Mecca," Lukman said, adding that adequate information about Ebola will be provided to those who leave for hajj.
He said his office had already informed the prospective Indonesian hajj pilgrims about the dangers and ways to prevent themselves from being contracted.
The minister noted that his office will soon coordinate with the authorities in Saudi Arabia and African countries on how to anticipate the spread of the virus, which has now become endemic.
With coordination, it is hoped no pilgrim from Indonesia will contract the disease and spread it upon returning from the holy land.
In addition, Deputy Minister for Health, Population and Family Planning Tubagus Rachmat Sentika reported here on Tuesday that Coordinating Minister for Peoples Welfare Agung Laksono had also asked Indonesians to increase awareness of the spread of MERS-CoV and Ebola viruses.
"The peoples welfare minister wants the public to be aware of the spread of these viruses, especially during Hajj season," Tubagus Rachmat remarked.
He noted that the government is currently taking various measures in anticipation of the risk of MERS-CoV and Ebola spread in Indonesia.
Among the policies implemented by the government are warning Indonesians wishing to travel abroad and tightening visa application process for people traveling from countries with Ebola outbreak.
The government has also activated early detection and fast-response mechanism in hospitals, community health centers, and laboratories.
(O001/INE)
EDITED BY INE
(H-YH)
(O001/KR-BSR/H-YH)
Reporter: Otniel Tamindael
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
