“Ebola, there is no time to lose!” - Humanity House
12 November 2014

“Ebola, there is no time to lose!”

PARTNER

Oxfam Novib

Oxfam Novib is a worldwide development organization and works for a just world without poverty. The organization bases its work on the power and possibilities of people themselves. Oxfam Novib therefore supports projects in developing countries that enable people to build an independent existence.

In West Africa more than 13.000 cases of the Ebola virus have been reported. By November 2014, this disease has claimed the lives of almost 5000 of these people. According to estimates, Sierra Leone and Liberia may expect 1,4 million cases of Ebola in January 2015.

Time is running out
The advance of Ebola seems unstoppable. The number of cases doubles every 20 days and there is no good medicine.  ‘There is no time to lose,’ says David MacDonald, Oxfam’s coordinator for West Africa. ‘Ebola is consuming whole communities.’

This is what Oxfam is doing
Many partners of Humanity House are making an effort to help Ebola victims and to stop the spread of the Ebola virus. Oxfam Novib is one such organization: Oxfam is working to control Ebola in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Senegal, Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. To date, they have been able to reach a half million people. Oxfam provides many services including:

  • clean water in isolation centres and health posts where Ebola is treated;
  • soap and water stations where villagers can wash their hands;
  • training and protective clothing for health workers.

Expansion of emergency care
David: ‘The need is great. Infection rates are accelerating drastically. We have no option but to rapidly increase our work.’ Since Wednesday November 5, 2014, the efforts of ten different aid organizations  have been joined. The Samenwerkende Hulporganisaties (SHO) (Cooperating Aid Organizations) are working together to stop the spread of Ebola and to care for sick people.

Take action and sign Oxfam’s petition or donate through the Samenwerkende Hulporganisaties (SHO).

 

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