Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ebola epidemic in West Africa an “international public health emergency.” Listed by the UN as the second poorest nation in the world, the Liberian government has been struggling to curb the spread of the disease. Now organizations across the world, including one in Victoria, are looking to lend a helping hand.
The Liberia Christian Outreach Society is hoping to raise $20,000 to support a program slated for autumn. As the Liberian government has only been able to focus on Monrovia, the country’s capital, LCOS plans to deliver soap, disinfectant, buckets and other supplies that would help slow down the spread of ebola to 15 small villages across Liberia.
Aside from sanitation supplies, the organization also plans on educating villagers on the disease and how to avoid spreading it.
“In a village in (the county of) Bomi, somebody died from Ebola, but the villagers had no idea. Then the six people looking after the body died,” LCOS co-founder Helen Fletcher said. “The government quarantined villages across the county, which are now running out of food. That’s the outcome of not having information.”
Fletcher said that the cost of delivering supplies is $20 per family, with additional funds needed for transportations.
LCOS was founded by Fletcher and Liberian Pastor Eric Sumo in 2006, following the civil war. They have since established several vocational school in the country, graduating mostly war widows and ex-child soldiers. The organization relies primarily on donations.
LCBO is asking both individuals and companies to help with a donation, which can be made by contacting any Coast Capital Savings Branch and asking to donate to “ebola outbreak,” account #11000 3639 499 or online at villageministries.net.
reporter@vicnews.com