/R E P E A T -- A shipment of hope to help combat Ebola outbreak/

World Vision sends more than 2.6 metric tons of equipment/supplies to Sierra Leone

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 27, 2014 /CNW/ - Health care workers in Sierra Leone combatting the Ebola outbreak are welcoming the arrival of 2,600 kilograms of medical supplies and equipment donated by World Vision Canada. The shipment, which arrived by sea last week, includes a wide range of items, such as gloves, goggles, hospital gowns, surgical masks and field respirators, which are being provided to doctors, nurses and others involved in the frontline efforts to halt the Ebola outbreak.

The supplies, known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), are much needed by doctors and nurses, as well as those involved in the burials of victims of the Ebola outbreak. World Vision is actively involved in providing safe and dignified burials for Ebola victims in districts throughout Sierra Leone to prevent the further spread of the disease. The international humanitarian agency is also educating religious leaders about Ebola prevention to pass this knowledge on their communities, and supporting efforts to keep children learning by broadcasting school lessons over local and national radio

Quotes:

"We're grateful to our colleagues and friends at World Vision Canada for the donation of these supplies at a time when they're needed more than ever," says Leslie Scott, national director of World Vision Sierra Leone. "Canada has always been a strong and dedicated partner in our efforts in Sierra Leone, and this latest donation underscores the strength of this relationship."

"The arrival of this donation from World Vision Canada sends a powerful message to our staff and to the people of Sierra Leone," Scott adds. "It provides tangible evidence that their struggles to help halt the Ebola outbreak are being noticed and that the terrible crisis facing our country has not and will not be forgotten."

"The Ebola outbreak is causing deep social and economic wounds in Sierra Leone, as well as in other neighbouring countries, such as Liberia and Guinea," says World Vision Canada president and CEO Dave Toycen. "World Vision remains particularly concerned about the children affected by this outbreak, especially those who have lost one or both parents to the disease and are at risk of being shunned by their communities."

Fast Facts:

• More than 1,200 people in Sierra Leone have died as a result of the Ebola outbreak, and thousands of others, including children, are at risk of contracting the disease.
• While the number of new cases of Ebola in Liberia and Guinea has levelled off in recent weeks, the outbreak continues to expand in Sierra Leone, as well as new cases of the disease reported in Mali;
• Canadians wishing to donate to World Vision's Ebola outbreak relief efforts can visit http://www.worldvision.ca/GIVE-A-GIFT/Pages/west-africa-relief-ebola.aspx to learn more, or can call World Vision at 1-866-595-5550.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca

SOURCE: World Vision Canada

and to obtain pictures from Sierra Leone of World Vision's donation, media may contact: Bob Neufeld (Mobile: [phone]) [email protected]