ISLAMABAD: The Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness Assessment Mission has completed its work in Pakistan, says the World Health Organisation (WHO).

WHO Country Head Dr Michel Thieren said in a statement on Saturday that the mission had provided technical support to assess and respond to the eventual venue of a patient coming from countries hit by the virus.

The mission reviewed measures to be put in place in six areas of concern associated with Ebola preparedness, including entry at airports to track the passenger’s contact and travel history, he said.

Infection control or the capacity to contain contagion and protect anyone from being contaminated by the virus was also part of the assessment.

The team also checked the laboratory to confirm facilities for Ebola diagnosis and follow-up of a patient, risk communication or capacity to dispel false beliefs and misconceptions with evidence-based and scientifically-grounded messaging, surveillance and contact tracking.

The team conducted a five-day preparedness assessment mission in Islamabad, Punjab and Sindh and reviewed whether all measures were in place or needed to be strengthened, Dr Michel said.

The mission visited Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi airports and the National Institute of Health and hospitals in three cities as well as some hospitals in Rawalpindi. It appreciated the commitment and steps taken by national and provincial authorities to protect the country from Ebola.

Published in Dawn, November 30th , 2014