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ACT Alliance Appeal: Ebola Sensitization and Prevention in Liberia

by Elisabeth Gouel | https://twitter.com/actalliance | ACT Alliance - Switzerland
Tuesday, 22 July 2014 10:56 GMT

* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Appeal

Liberia

Ebola Sensitization and Prevention in Liberia
 
Appeal Target:          US$ 234,353

Balance Requested:   US$ 184,353

Geneva, 22nd July 2014

Dear Colleagues,

The deadly Ebola virus disease (EVD) has surfaced in sub-Region of West Africa, affecting Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. This is the first time the virus is confirmed in this part of Africa. It appeared in Guinea in January 2014 and has since spread into neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone. This virus is considered one of the most aggressive viruses that have neither cure nor vaccine to date, which kill within one week from exposure or three to four days from first symptoms become apparent. Its fatality rate is very high:  90 percent.

Up to date, about 107 cases have been reported in Liberia. Of these cases, 52 have been confirmed, 21 probable and 34 suspected; 65 lead to deaths (which include 33 confirmed, 17 probable and 15 suspected). This alarming situation needs to be brought under control.

It has been noted that the ability of the various health centres in the country is very limited. Since this is the first time this virus is affecting people in this part of Africa, the population is unaware of it in terms of its contamination, effects, symptoms and means of prevention. People are therefore very much at risk. The Government, through the Ministry of Health has continued to appeal to ACT Alliance Forum and other relevant actors to be part of the campaign against the Ebola Virus.

In order to create sensitization about the virus among the local population in Liberia, a Rapid Response Funds project is presently going on to help them recognize its symptoms and try to prevent it. This project which started in May 2014 is expected to end in July 2014. It is being implemented in Bong and Lofa Counties. The Lutheran Development Service (LDS) in close collaboration with the Lutheran Church in Liberia (LCL) and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare are currently implementing this intervention on behalf of ACT Alliance Liberia Forum. As the epidemic progresses in Liberia, funds are requested through this Appeal to continue these lives-saving activities and extend their scope and acquire an isolation center for a Lutheran Hospital. The RRF fund will be considered as part of the Appeal, according to ACT policies.


I.    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


TITLE: Ebola Sensitization and Prevention in Liberia

ACT APPEAL NUMBER: LBR141

APPEAL AMOUNT REQUESTED (US$): 234,353
DATE OF ISSUANCE: 22nd July
NAMES OF ACT FORUM AND REQUESTING MEMBERS:
ACT FORUM: ACT Alliance Liberia Forum
ACT REQUESTING MEMBERS: Lutheran Development Service (LDS)


THE CRISIS

The deadly Ebola virus disease (EVD) is considered one of the most aggressive viruses that have neither cure nor vaccine to date, which kill within one week from exposure or three to four days from first symptoms become apparent. Its fatality rate is very high:  90 percent. About 107 cases have been reported in Liberia so far. Of these cases, 52 have been confirmed, 21 probable and 34 suspected and 65 deaths (which include 33 confirmed, 17 probable and 15 suspected). This alarming situation needs to be brought under control.

PRIORITY NEEDS

Since this is the first time this virus is affecting people in this part of Africa, the population is totally ignorant about it in terms of its nature, effects, symptoms and means of prevention. People are therefore very much at risk and more awareness needs to be raised.

It has been noted that the ability of the various health centres in the country is very limited. Locally, there is no isolation center where patients can be observed and treated. Moreover, materials and personal equipment that are needed to operate and isolation centre are not available.

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