Concerned about Travel Restrictions on Health Workers in Ebola-Affected States, Secretary-General Says ‘We Have an Obligation to Look after Them’

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki‑moon:

The Secretary-General is concerned by the recent restrictions put in place in several countries and localities applying to people who have travelled to the main Ebola-affected countries.  He believes that these restrictions have put particular pressure on health-care workers and those who have been on the front line of the Ebola response.

Returning health workers are exceptional people who are giving of themselves for humanity.  They should not be subjected to restrictions that are not based on science.  Those who develop infections should be supported, not stigmatized.

The Secretary-General reiterates that the best way for any country to protect itself from Ebola is to stop the outbreak at its source in West Africa.  This requires considerable international health-care worker support and, in return for this support, we have an obligation to look after them.