CATUC Bamenda holds Ebola sensitisation conference

Recently, the Catholic University of Cameroon, Bamenda, was host to an Ebola Conference. Following the recent outbreak of the Ebola virus in parts of Africa and which has sent shock waves down the backs of all health ministries and governments across Africa and beyond, the Research Directorate of the Catholic University of Cameroon, Bamenda, organised an informative and educative conference on the virus.

The public conference held under the theme: Clinical Innovations, Developments in the Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of Ebola Virus (Marburg fever) and Hemorrhagic Fevers. It fell in line with CATUC’s mission statement of carrying out outreach activities to inform, educate, sensitise, and to be a sentry to the public on life issues. This conference was mainly on the spatial distribution of Ebola, its virology, impacts, nursing care, recommendations and charting a way forward.

The conference provided an opportunity for all medical and health care personnel and interested people to meet and learn about the scourge that is plaguing some parts of West Africa and threatening the whole continent. It also provided an opportunity to share and network. Participants therefore specifically shared ideas on the transmission, prevention, management and containment of the virus.

Lucas Wirba, HOD, Geography and Environmental Studies, CATUC, talked on the Geographical perspectives of Ebola, highlighting the spatial distribution, areas of emergence and re-emergence and the virus’ impact.

An Anthropologist and CATUC DVCA, Prof. Paul Nkwi, reviewed the cultural and anthropological practices that pose a risk factor for Ebola outbreak in Cameroon. Professor Nkwi said in the face of a calamity like Ebola, culture may eventually disappear and that ignoring the local culture can be counterproductive. He laid emphasis on understanding how people respond to epidemics, and sensitising and keeping traditional rulers informed of the danger. He encouraged the introduction of an ethno-medical approach in the fight against Ebola.

A PhD research fellow, CATUC, Elvis Tata, tackled the Zoonotic Transmission of the Ebola Virus. He gave the virus types, their molecular structure and symptoms. He explained that animals like bats and primates are the main hosts of these viruses whereas pigs are only hosts to some strands. He indicated that the virus is destroyed in temperatures above 65o C when exposed for more than five minutes. He advised participants to be conscious of what they eat and to meticulously practice general hygiene.

Professor Philip Egbe, Provost, of the School of Health and Medical Sciences, CATUC, dwelt on the human to human transmission of the Ebola Virus. He explained the methods of transmission and prevention and urged participants to wash their hands frequently with soap and clean running water, to use hand sanitisers, avoid overcrowded areas and hospitals, abstain from eating “bush” meat, and to be cautious when handling pets. He asked health workers to use barrier nursing techniques and outlined the importance of early diagnosis and isolation. He said so far no basic standard treatment is available for Ebola.

A CATUC Biochemist, Polycarp Chia, presented the laboratory diagnostic tools for checking Ebola viral infections. He talked on clinical observation and mentioned that diseases share signs and symptoms. He therefore called on health workers to be vigilant, to carry out constant surveillance and notification, take precautions and follow the right procedures when collecting specimens, to ensure proper laboratory test timings, storage, packing and transportation of specimens to avoid bioterrorism.

The Regional Delegate of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Tebo gave a talk on Animal Quarantine Strategy for Ebola Viral Infection Containment. He stressed the need for collaboration and engagement of other stakeholders. He acknowledged that a lot of work still has to be done in this domain and recommended the identification of reservoirs and active surveillance in susceptible animal host population.

The conference convener and Director of Research, CATUC, Dr. Kenneth Yongabi, expounded on Phytopharmaceuticals and Phytomedicine in the Prevention and Control of Ebola Virus laying emphasis on the fact that boosting the immune defense mechanism remains the most effective proven method of treating viral infections. These immune boosters are components found in some plants species like moringa and the most talked about bitter cola which contain active anti-viral substances. He, however, warned that he was not recommending that moringa and bitter cola are treatments for Ebola.

A CCU Bali lecturer, James Ndipowa, and a nurse at the General Hospital, Mary Bih Suh, talked on strategic nursing care in Ebola viral outbreak and nursing care plan for Ebola viral patient at the intensive care unit. Speaking on the BEPHA Coordinator for Bamenda Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Joseph Ateh’s behalf, Dr. Vivian Nkumbah, in charge of the BEPHA office, Archdiocese of Bamenda, explained the role of the health insurance scheme (BEPHA).

Jude Waindim gave the Bamenda City Council, BCC, updates on the level of hygiene and sanitation in the face of Ebola threats. He highlighted the measures that the BCC is putting in place to ensure proper hygiene and sanitation in the near future like increasing the number of trash bins, encouraging the installation of private mobile toilets and urinals around town and setting up an incinerator and recycling plant. He added that the BCC is open to biogas and renewable energy projects from experts.

Participants highlighted the need for a strategic seminar to run for more than a day. CATUC Vice Chancellor thanked the participants and stressed the need to pray and trust in God especially when certain issues are seemingly mysterious. He concluded that a healthy soul is always in a healthy body.