Ebola Crisis in Sierra Leone - Training and Sensitization - Action Against Hunger 2014

November 2014 - On August 8 2014 the World Health Organization declared the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa an international health emergency. The Ebola outbreak started in Guinea and spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone. There have been over 15 000 cases of Ebola virus in Guinea Liberia and Sierra Leone to date including more than 5 400 deaths. The current outbreak is unprecedented in terms of its scale geographic reach humanitarian impact as well as its social and economic repercussions. The number of cases and deaths surpass all previous Ebola epidemics combined. With DFATD’s support Action Against Hunger seeks to help reduce and control the spread of the Ebola virus in Sierra Leone. Project activities include: (1) sensitizing communities on improved health and hygiene practices; (2) providing personal protective equipment and training for health staff and community volunteers; (3) improving water hygiene and sanitation conditions in public health facilities; and (4) providing support packages of essential household items to affected individuals and families.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) increased capacity of vulnerable households to prevent Ebola transmission; (2) increased capacity of health staff to safely manage suspected Ebola cases; (3) improved access to safe water hygiene and sanitation services in health facilities; and (4) increased access to essential household items for affected individuals and families. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or acute food insecurity.