World Vision will train hundreds of healthcare workers in an effort to stem the spread of the deadly Ebola virus in Sierra Leone following the announcement of a $2.5 million boost in Australian Government funding for the outbreak in West Africa.
World Vision Australia’s Head of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Majella Hurney welcomed the $625,000 of additional government funding to support the humanitarian organisation’s efforts to prevent and control the spread of the deadly virus.
“Ebola is spreading in Sierra Leone at an alarming rate, with the number of new cases doubling every three weeks,” Ms Hurney said.
The country has had more than 2,000 confirmed cases of Ebola and almost 600 deaths attributed to the virus.
“With the support of the Australian Government, World Vision will distribute over 5 million items of protective clothing and equipment and begin a rapid training program for 750 health care workers.”
World Vision will also implement a community-outreach program to raise awareness of prevention, control and treatment measures, including broadcasting radio messages to affected communities. The relief agency expects to reach over 67,000 individuals with the latest program.
World Vision’s response has already included efforts to raise awareness about how to prevent and control the spread of the disease, including safe hygiene practices and the use of protective clothing and equipment.
The organisation, which has been working in Sierra Leone for almost 20 years, is well-placed to respond with around 300 staff members working in vulnerable communities.
Source: World Vision Australia
Image Source: NBC News
Ryan Fritz
Ryan Fritz started The Advocate in 2014 to provide not-for-profits and charities another media platform to tell their worthwhile hard news stories and opinion pieces effortlessly. In 2020, Ryan formed a team of volunteer journalists to help spread even more high-quality stories from the third sector. He also has over 10 years experience as a media and communications professional for not-for-profits and charities and currently works at Redkite, a childhood cancer charity.
