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MIKTA – Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey, Australia

Joint Statement on the Ebola Outbreak and Global Health

Media Release

Third MIKTA Ministerial Meeting, New York

1. We, Foreign Ministers of Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey, and Australia (MIKTA), recall that the UN Security Council Resolution 2177 (2014) and the General Assembly Resolution A/69/1 state that the Ebola outbreak in Africa is undermining the stability of the most affected countries concerned, and unless contained, may lead to further instances of civil unrest, social tensions and a deterioration of the political and security climate. We also share the concern that the spread of the Ebola virus represents a serious global health challenge not only to West Africa but also to the international community as a whole.

2. We affirm that health is an essential element for human beings to reach their fullest potential and lead dignified lives and for nations to achieve sustainable growth, and, furthermore, is a cornerstone for the security of the international community. We believe that the promotion of global health should be addressed from the perspective of the shared interests of the international community. We note that, in the process of implementing the MDGs, the international community has made significant progress in public health particularly in those pertaining to reducing malaria and combatting HIV/AIDS. We look forward to such efforts being strengthened as well as to tackle the ongoing challenges in the Post-2015 development agenda.

3. In this context, we note with concern that, despite the efforts by the international community to promote global health, serious health problems and poor sanitation continue to be found in some parts of the world. In particular, we express our deep concern that Sub-Saharan Africa is still suffering from various infectious and non-infectious diseases, which are undermining the region's sustainable growth and development.

4. Against this backdrop, we welcome the efforts taken by the international community in a prompt manner to stop the spread of the Ebola virus as soon as possible. In particular, we commend the dedicated work of relevant UN agencies including the World Health Organization, and various international non-governmental organizations such as Doctors Without Borders in Ebola-stricken countries, translating into concrete action their noble spirit of humanitarianism.

5. We welcome the steps taken by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon which include, among others, the appointment of a Senior United Nations System Coordinator for Ebola and steps towards the establishment of the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER), which under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General will bring together the full range of UN actors and expertise in support of national efforts. We underline that the efforts to isolate the Ebola virus should not mean the isolation of the affected countries via unnecessary trade, travel and border restrictions that might create additional difficulties for these countries and their people.

6. It is our sincere hope that the Global Health Security Agenda, launched this year, will serve to strengthen the response capability of the international community against grave threats to global health, such as the Ebola virus.

7. MIKTA, a group of like-minded nations with the vision of contributing to the shared interests of the international community and to improving cooperation as well as global governance, will continue to actively participate in the international efforts to promote global health and especially in the efforts to prevent the further spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa. To this end, we agree to consider providing humanitarian assistance, as appropriate, including through technical and financial means, in parallel to long-term efforts focusing on the capacity building in the affected countries' infrastructure and health sector.

Last Updated: 19 March 2015
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