PSC/AHG/COMM.3(CDLXXXIV) Page 2 6. Expresses its appreciation to the brave ASEOWA volunteers and health professionals, deployed in the affected countries in West Africa, who are putting their lives at great risk, for their invaluable contribution to the fight against Ebola, and offers condolences to the families of all those who lost their relatives due to the Ebola epidemic; 7. Notes with satisfaction the improvement of the situation in the Ebola-affected countries of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, as well as the declaration of the Republic of Mali as Ebola-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 19 January 2015. Council notes that, however, in spite of this progress, a number of challenges remain that require continued mobilization. In this regard, Council stresses the need for renewed commitment in the fight against the epidemic and mobilization of additional resources, in order to effectively support the health workers on the ground and the efforts of the region, as well as those of the countries most affected by the Ebola epidemic; 8. Reiterates its deep concern over the negative impact of the Ebola epidemic on the socioeconomic fabric of the affected countries. In this regard, Council stresses the need for particular attention to continue to be paid to the impact of the epidemic on post-conflict reconstruction and socio-economic development efforts in the affected countries. Council requests the Commission, in collaboration with the UNECA and the AfDB and within the framework of the African Solidarity Initiative (ASI), to convene an African Solidarity Conference (ASC) to mobilize support for postconflict reconstruction and peace-building activities in the affected countries, including initiatives to be taken towards the cancellation of the external debt of the affected countries; 9. Stresses the need to avoid any stigmatization, discrimination and isolation of both the people and the countries most affected. Council calls on AU Member States that have not done so, to immediately lift all travel bans and restrictions and to respect the principle of free movement, as well as to take the required steps for the resumption of flights to those countries, consistent with decision Ext/EX.CL/Dec.1(XVI), scientific advice by the WHO and the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Council also appeals to the AU partners to assist in the fight against stigmatization and discrimination of people from the countries most affected by the epidemic; 10. Reiterates the request of the 16th Extraordinary Session of the AU Executive Council for the Commission to take all the necessary steps for the rapid establishment of an African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ACDCP), pursuant to Assembly Decision AU/Dec.499(XXII). Council encourages Member States to establish, where necessary, national centers for disease control and prevention and to enhance such centers where they do exist; 11. Requests the Commission to submit to it a comprehensive report with recommendations on how best the African Standby Force (ASF) can effectively contribute to addressing humanitarian crises such as the one triggered by the Ebola outbreak, within the framework of Article 13 (3f) of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union; 12. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.