Red Cross working to combat Ebola outbreak in West Africa

UPDATE (Sept. 16, 2014): Thanks to the support of people like you, the Red Cross has responded immediately to the unprecedented outbreak of Ebola in West Africa. The Red Cross has active operations in 11 countries and over 3,500 Red Cross volunteers are involved in the response, targeting over 35 million people across affected countries with education and sensitization programs.

You can help the Red Cross continue to provide humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the spread of the Ebola virus by making a donation to the Canadian Red Cross West Africa Ebola Fund.

A fast-spreading outbreak of Ebola is affecting several countries in West Africa. Ebola is a highly contagious virus that causes severe haemorrhaging. To date, no treatment or vaccine is available for the disease, which kills between 25 – 90 per cent of victims, depending on the strain of the virus.

More than 5,000 people have been infected with Ebola since March, 2014, with just under half dying of the disease.  The epidemic continues to grow more intense, primarily in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Nearly half of the cases have occurred in the past three weeks alone.

The Red Cross, working alongside health authorities and other partner agencies, is stepping up its work in the region to support affected communities.  Currently, volunteers are being mobilized in affected communities to support awareness and prevention messaging, identify and trace those who have come in contact with suspected cases and provide psychosocial support. In addition, the Red Cross is also training volunteers in disinfection, household decontamination and care for the deceased.

The Canadian Red Cross has mobilized seven aid workers specializing in health and disaster response to the region to support response operations in affected communities. The Canadian Red Cross is on standby and ready to assist with additional supplies and personnel as required.

The Government of Canada is supporting the Red Cross efforts on the ground with contributions through their Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund. As part of a partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, this fund allows the Red Cross to rapidly respond to small and medium scale emergencies, such as the Ebola outbreak.

The Canadian Red Cross has mobilized aid workers specializing in health and disaster response to the region to support response operations in affected communities. Funding is crucial to ensure direct action can be taken to stop the spread of the epidemic.

Canadians who wish to support Red Cross efforts can make a donation to the Canadian Red Cross West Africa Ebola Fund.