Emergency appeal: The spread of Ebola can be prevented

BRAMPTON, ON, Sept. 25, 2014 /CNW/ - Partners International Canada is working to stop the spread of Ebola in Liberia with their partner The Association of Independent Churches of Africa (AICA). AICA is providing emergency assistance to targeted rural and urban communities and has already reached approximately 1,200 families.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the Ebola virus has resulted in 3,017 diagnosed infections and 1,529 deaths in Liberia but states that the real number is 2.5 times higher due to a lack of reporting accuracy. According to WHO Assistant Director General, Bruce Aylward, "Quite frankly this health crisis we are facing is unparalleled in modern times". (Reuters - Geneva, Sept 16, 2014)

Liberia's government has declared a humanitarian crisis. In an effort to contain the outbreak, schools and public places throughout the country have been closed and food is now in short supply.

"There is a state of fear in Liberia right now...Many people are seeking answers from the church and there is an urgent need for the church to begin acting practically to help with the prevention and education of its members and others in the communities," says Bishop Jerome Klibo, President of AICA.

The Liberia National Defence Department lists prevention and awareness as the country's primary action to contain the disease. AICA has identified this response as the most strategic intervention and continues to mobilize its Care & Prevention Awareness teams in an effort to reach another 5,000 families.

Your support is urgently needed! Please visit www.partnersinternational.ca to directly support their Liberian partner and ensure that the greatest number of people are reached in the shortest time.

Partners International Canada is a Christian not-for-profit specializing in holistic development that transforms lives and communities. Our mission is to mobilize Canadians into partnership with indigenous leaders to bring long-term sustainable development to the least reached and resourced parts of the world.

SOURCE: Partners International Canada

Kevin McKay
Partners International Canada
[email protected]
905.458.1202
www.PartnersInternational.ca
Facebook.com/partnerscanada
Twitter: @partnerscanada