UPDATE: On 22 August the World Health Organisation confirmed the Ebola death toll in West Africa had risen to 1,427 (of 2,615 cases), with 77 new deaths reported in the past two days.
As Ebola continues to spread in several western African countries, including Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia and, recently, Nigeria, simple measures, like hand washing, are proving to be one of the most effective ways to protect children and families from the virus.
In response to this health crisis, ChildFund and its local partner organisations are distributing bleach, hygiene kits and gloves in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia (ChildFund does not have programs in Nigeria). We are also working with local partners in these three countries to increase awareness about how to prevent the spread of the disease.
Our local partner organisations are staffed by community members who are leading the efforts to tell others in their communities about the need for proper hygiene and early medical attention. We have found that neighbours are more likely to listen to their neighbours about how to protect themselves and each other.
In the areas where ChildFund has programs, there are signs that the messages and support delivered by our local partner are reaching their targets.
“In other areas, many people are still in the denial stage about the disease, doubting its killing power,” says Billy Abimbilla, ChildFund`s national director for Sierra Leone and Liberia.
“We are working hard to change this,” says Abimbilla. “Due to intense awareness raising and education, people are now starting to believe that the disease is real and not attributable to witchcraft or other causes. With funding provided for the emergency response, ChildFund`s local partners are working with local health authorities and community leaders to increase awareness on how to prevent the spread of the disease and to provide relief to suffering families as well.”
ChildFund`s response is part of a larger, regional response, in partnership with local and national governments, Oxfam, Care, Save the Children, Catholic Relief Services and Plan International, to ensure that all activities complement each other.
Watch Foreign Correspondent’s powerful report on how the Ebola outbreak is affecting children and families in Sierra Leone.
While the spread of the Ebola virus is slowing down in Guinea, since we last reported on the outbreak it has continued to worsen in Sierra Leone and Liberia. A state of emergency has been declared in both countries as leaders work together to address the crisis.
Report from ChildFund Liberia
The Government of Liberia has closed all but three border points with neighbouring countries, as well as the airport. Medical personnel are being affected and dying from the disease. The total number of confirmed cumulative cases is 307 and confirmed deaths 145.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf this week announced a National Action Plan to combat the virus, in partnership with the World Health Organization, with an initial contribution of US$5 million. Among other measures, all schools have been closed, public gatherings are restricted and communities heavily affected by the Ebola outbreak have been quarantined.
Lofa is the most affected county, with some hospitals abandoned by staff for fear of being infected as many health workers have already lost their lives. There has been significant curtailment of NGO staff movements to many parts of the country.
Flights have suspended operations from Liberia, and there is compulsory screening of passengers entering or leaving Liberia at the airport.
ChildFund Liberia and its local partners have from the beginning of the outbreak supported vital community awareness-raising activities reaching over 20,000 people across four districts, provided hygiene and protective materials at schools, hospitals and border crossing checkpoints, recruited and trained health education volunteers, and attended regular emergency coordination meetings.
Report from ChildFund Sierra Leone
The Government of Sierra Leone`s task force reports that between 20 May and 24 July the cumulative Ebola numbers are 360, with confirmed deaths 152 and discharges 116.
Tragically, the only Sierra Leonean specialist Dr Khan died this week as a result of the disease.
The Government has increased allocations toward the setting up of new isolation centres and support for medical personnel. There is a national awareness campaign on steps to be taken to avoid being infected by the virus. This activity is being managed by a task force led by the Ministry of Health. The President has made trips personally to all the affected areas as a morale booster to the staff at the frontline helping to control the disease.
ChildFund Sierra Leone and its local partners have supported community awareness-raising activites in 40 communities across Kailahun and Koinadugu districts, provided hygiene and protective materials for children and families through schools, public health units and local community structures, and trained and equipped health personnel. ChildFund continues to collaborate with the Health Ministry and other INGOs working on the epidemic.
ChildFund Australia CEO Nigel Spence says: “ChildFund`s Ebola response in West Africa has achieved significant outcomes but it is evident that much more needs to be done as the situation worsens. ChildFund will continue its response in Liberia and Sierra Leone and is currently working to secure further funding to ramp up education and awareness activities within communities, as well as provide additional safety and personal protection kits for children and their families.”
