WHO declares Guinea Ebola-free

Two years after the Ebola epidemic began in Guinea, the country has been declared free of the virus.

More than 2,500 people died from the virus in the West African nation.

The declaration by the World Health Organisation (WHO) comes 42 days after the last person confirmed with Ebola tested negative.

WHO has lauded Guinea’s government for its efforts to eradicate the epidemic.

‘‘We must pay tribute to the Government and people of Guinea. In adversity, they managed to come together and fight with courage and self-sacrifice against the epidemic. We must salute also the pioneering and visionary acceptance of clinical trials of a new vaccine and certain treatments,’‘ Dr. Mohammed Belhocine, head of WHO country office said in a statement.

Mamady Kane a survior is happy that the epidemic is finally over.

“The day I arrived I was in a very bad state. But since I’ve been here everything has gone really well. The doctors give me medicines, and I thank God, my health has become better,” Kane said.

Guinea was the host country for “patient zero” who became the outbreak’s first victim in December 2013.

The West African country had more than 3,800 cases out of more than 28,000 cases worldwide.

More than 100 health workers have died in the country trying to fight the epidemic.

The virus quickly spread to neighbouring countries Liberia and Sierra Leone. This three countries were the hardest hit countries in the world.

Liberia now remains the only state to be declared “Ebola free” despite being announced to be free of the virus on two separate occasions. Sierra Leone ended its epidemic in November.

This string of the Ebola virus is the deadliest ever recorded since the virus was first established over three decades ago.