Ebola crisis December 2014

What is Ebola? Ebola is a severe viral illness. Symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, vomiting and bleeding. Ebola is spread between people through bodily fluids. Many people die from the disease. Once infected, a person only has a 30 per cent chance of survival. If they do not receive the right medical care and treatment, it can be even lower. Prevention is the only way to stop the Ebola crisis. What is Ebola?

Ebola emerged in 1976, but the current outbreak in West Africa is the most severe ever. Schools and government buildings have had to close, and lots of people cannot travel to work. In West Africa, more than 16,000 people have become infected and nearly 7,000 people have died from the disease. Where?

CAFOD is working alongside people in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea to support them during this crisis. (Ivory Coast) Where?

“Ebola is affecting every aspect of people’s lives, and it’s forcing communities further into poverty. Families can’t afford food, schools are closed, travel restrictions are in place and people live in constant fear.” Sophie Arcedeckne-Butler, CAFOD. What are the effects of Ebola?

We are working with local people to help make sure they have what they need. We are raising awareness about ways to stop the disease from spreading. How is CAFOD helping? “The biggest enemy is lack of understanding.” Edward John-Bull, Caritas Sierra Leone.

We are providing hygiene buckets. These contain soap and chlorine, which help to kill the virus. How is CAFOD helping?

We are raising awareness about how important hand- washing and good hygiene is to help stop the disease from spreading. How is CAFOD helping?

We are providing food to families who need it. How is CAFOD helping?

The bodies of people who have died from Ebola are highly infectious. We are providing safe burials to limit infection. How is CAFOD helping?

What else is helping? People have stopped offering the sign of peace during Mass. People are greeting each other in different ways instead of shaking hands. For example, touching feet or elbows. A song is being played on the radio to raise awareness of how to prevent Ebola.

Let us pray... Lord God, we entrust to you those affected by Ebola. We pray especially for the health care workers, that you may guide and protect them. We pray that your Spirit may inspire those researching the drugs, medicines and health care systems that will stop people’s suffering. And in the midst of this, keep us strong in faith, hope and love. We entrust ourselves and those affected by Ebola to your infinite power and love. Amen. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you” Isaiah 41:10

Activity

Picture credits: Caritas Internationalis, d-maps.com, Tommy Trenchard/Caritas, Michael Stulman/CRS. cafod.org.uk/secondary/emergencies blog.cafod.org.uk