By Mabel Whenzle, Freetown.

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Ebola Response Centre NERC Major (Rtd) Palo Conteh (pictured) has disclosed that World Vision UK has signed up a partnership agreement that will involve it becoming responsible for the management of dead bodies across the country.

Addressing journalists at a weekly press briefing recently organised by the National Ebola Response Centre, he said the five million pounds sterling DFID funded project will be used for the setting up of 39 burial teams in 10 districts that will be trained and equipped to carry out safe burials country wide. He noted that there has been a significant progress in the capacity within the NERC Command and Control Centre which he attributed largely to support from partners across the globe. He reassured the media that the centre will do all it can to get the much needed resources for those that need it the most.

" This disease evolves and moves and therefore we have to become more agile in our ability to respond," he added.

Palo vigorously condemned the on-going stigmatization meted out against both front line staff and survivors of the deadly Ebola virus disease. Expressing his disappointment over the on-going stigmatization, he said it is very disappointing and heart rending to see both survivors of the horrific disease and those who have gallantly worked at the front line of the fight against Ebola being stigmatized and shunned by some community members.

He said his administration is very much concerned about the issue and as such they will do all they can to see that the situation improves within the shortest possible time.

The NERC CEO encouraged members of the public to take their sick to the nearest treatment centre for proper medical attention and avoid handling dead bodies and report all deaths to the appropriate authorities. He said it is only when people adhere to preventive measures that they can be sure positive results in the fight against Ebola.