UN Ebola chief says priority now is helping 15,000 survivors

United Nations: The United Nations Ebola chief says his top priority now that the deadly Ebola epidemic appears to be nearing an end is helping more than 15,000 survivors who need medical and psychological support.

Dr David Nabarro told a press conference yesterday that the survivors should be treated as “heroes” not outcasts.

Nabarro says that survivors are distressed, not trusted, and are subjected to a lot of stigma as well as facing medical problems including diminished vision and “terrible joint pains.”

He said survivors need comprehensive care that includes psychological and medical support and ensures they maintain hygiene and practice safe sex.

Nabarro said he also wants to ensure that countries can detect and respond to any resurgence, and to honor the more than 11,300 people who died from Ebola.