MONROVIA, April 17 (LINA) - President Barack Obama has observed that the Ebola epidemic is not only as a health crisis, but also an economic problem.

According to him, that is part of the reason why the three hardest-hit West African nations of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone have their Presidents on official mission in Washington D.C. 

In a speech delivered by President Obama welcoming the three leaders released by the US Embassy near here, Obama said they are going to be meeting with a number of the multilateral institutions -- the IMF and World Bank here in Washington. 

The US leader indicated there is a challenge of restoring markets and agricultural growth, promoting investment and development. 

“So I’m going to be looking forward to hearing from them on how the United States can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them to work hard to take this crisis and turn it into an opportunity to rebuild even stronger than before,” Obama said.

He stressed the need to be vigilant, and challenged the international community to remain fully engaged in a partnership with the three countries until there are no cases of Ebola in these countries. 

The US President pointed out that the health systems also have to be rebuilt to meet daily needs -- vaccines for measles, delivering babies safely, treating HIV/AIDS and malaria. 

“And with our Global Health Security Agenda, we intend to do more to prevent future epidemics,” he stated.

 He emphasized the need to strengthen administrative systems, public health systems, to continue the work that they’ve done in rooting out corruption, reinforcing democratic institutions: all of which will be the foundation stones for long-term progress and prosperity. 
LINA