What is Ebola virus?
Ebola is a deadly disease which has killed more than 3,000 people across West Africa, with thousands more affected. It is spread through contact with bodily fluids of infected people and animals. The virus can survive for several days outside the body, including on the skin of dead victims.
There is no vaccine, cure or specific treatment. Victims who manage to get to an Ebola treatment centre have a better chance of survival. Those who do not catch it in the first place have the best chance of all.
Where is the Ebola outbreak?
Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone in West Africa are currently fighting the worst Ebola epidemic in history. Reports from the World Health Organisation estimate that more than 20,000 people could die if the virus is not stopped.
Who is affected?
70% of Ebola victims are women, who are traditional care-givers and in charge of washing and embalming dead bodies. Thousands of children have been orphaned. Right now, every person who gets Ebola is infecting up to two more people. Unless we can stop that, Ebola will continue to spiral out of control.
In some areas whole communities are in quarantine because of the epidemic. Unable to earn a living, trade or go to market they are not only battling Ebola, people are also facing the prospect of widespread hunger.
What is ActionAid doing to help?
We're on the ground in Liberia and Sierra Leone, fighting to prevent the spread of Ebola virus by:
broadcasting safety messages on radio stations and in public areas
training local volunteers to lead awareness raising campaigns in their communities
providing food and oil for people in quarantine
giving medical and sanitation supplies to under-funded medical centres
providing protective gear to health workers.
We need your help so we can step up our work and reach more people before Ebola does.
Read more at
http://www.actionaid.org.uk/ebola#PaOYcEsoStLoIJ2e.99