Let us help in other ways

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Desk Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Millions of Filipinos must have sighed with relief upon learning that neither President Benigno Aquino II nor the country’s medical associations are in favor of the proposal to send Philippine health workers, like doctors and nurses, to help in the Ebola-affected countries.

The Philippine Medical Association and the Philippine College of Physicians have both expressed their views against such a dangerous plan. They pointed out, and wisely so, that it would not be a wise decision and would only expose our country to the killer disease.

The latest statistics released by the World Health Organizations show that more than 4,000 have, so far died from the mysterious disease, and that more than 7,000 have been infected, particularly in the three West African countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

But the virus is no longer isolated in those countries. There are already cases in the United States, in Spain, and even in Germany. The statement from a national health official that it is “only a matter of time” before the virus finds its way to our country is a terrifying one that should send us all praying for it not to happen.

We Filipinos are known for being a helpful and caring people. The initial reaction of those officials who had proposed the deployment of our health workers was further proof of that. But we must be realistic, any worker we send out there would not be of much help, anyway, since the disease is unfamiliar even to some scientists and researchers.

And it does not ease our fears when another report from the WHO came out yesterday saying that the Ebola virus could hit 10,000 people in one week.

Let us show our sympathy and care by praying for those in the danger areas, and maybe send material or any kind of help we can manage. But let us not send our people there, let us keep our country free and safe as much as we can.*