Samaritan's Purse fighting deadly Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa

Four Canadians part of Christian aid organization's team in Liberia

CALGARY, April 10, 2014 /CNW/ - Samaritan's Purse is working with the government of Liberia to contain a deadly outbreak of Ebola virus that has killed at least 107 people so far in the West African nation and in neighboring Guinea and Sierra Leone.

"This is a very serious situation that could become even more critical in the coming days," said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. "Our team in Liberia is committed to doing all we can to share God's love with Liberian people by providing medical support and other relief."

Ebola is one of the most lethal viruses known to humans. There is no cure or vaccine.

"What we have is a contagious deadly outbreak of a disease that is being spread, so we need to act fast to stop that spreading," said Aaron Ashoff, manager of Samaritan's Purse's Ebola virus response team.

The Liberian government has established a National Task Force to lead its response efforts, and named Samaritan's Purse as a partner agency along with the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In Liberia's Lofa County and the capital city of Monrovia, Samaritan's Purse is trying to stop the spread of Ebola by conducting public education and awareness campaigns amongst 200,000 people. The Calgary-based Christian aid organization is also providing emergency medical supplies to its partner, the ELWA Hospital just outside of Monrovia, and using an airplane and helicopter to quickly transport medical staff, lab specimens, and critically needed medical supplies to various parts of the country.

Four Canadians are part of Samaritan's Purse's national and expatriate response team—Keren Massey (Three Hills, AB), Kendell Kauffeldt (Salmon Arm, BC), Taya Raine (Saskatoon), and Alisa Buma (London, ON). Please contact communications manager Frank King with photo and interview requests.

Donations Needed
Samaritan's Purse needs donations from Canadians to help the people of Liberia battle this deadly Ebola virus outbreak. To donate, please call 1.800.663.6500 or visit SamaritansPurse.ca/Ebola.

About Samaritan's Purse Canada
Samaritan's Purse Canada is an international Christian relief and development organization that aids victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine, and persecution. The Calgary-based charity also operates Operation Christmas Child, which sends gift-filled shoeboxes to hurting children worldwide. Visit SamaritansPurse.ca to learn more.

SOURCE: Samaritan's Purse Canada

News Media Inquiries
Frank King, Communications Manager
1.800.663.6500 ext. 8720 or (cell) 403.990.0161 - [email protected]