The International Community is slowly waking up to the heavy impact of the plague of Ebola that is growing exponentially in western Africa. The World Health Organization states that there have been over 7000 cases reported with over 3000 of them ending in death proving that roughly half of those infected die. Last night the WHO said they are now seeing 5 new cases an hour – how can the statistics keep up let alone the Health Care Workers, many of whom are now infected? The healthcare systems of the poor African countries where it is spreading simply can’t respond to the growing needs. The severity of this outbreak should not be underestimated.
One reporter said the victims are the ones who live, many of them children left without family. The lingering effects of such a devastating illness are manifold the first of which is the 21 day quarantine during which the patient cannot be touched. Imagine being a child and you have just lost your parents, siblings, grandparents and no one can even hold your hand or give you a hug. As of a few days ago there were already 2000 Ebola orphans in Liberia alone.
For a period of time the western world was responding in a half-hearted way. The concern has increased with the arrival of an infected Liberian man in Dallas, Texas and the increasing rate of infection in American medical workers and, as of today, a western journalist. It is one thing to have a sweeping and devastating illness is a far-away African country; it is another thing when the patient lives down the street.
The United Church of Canada is accepting donations which will go to our partners in ACT Alliance to enable a response in the countries most effected and to promote education so more do not fall victim to the illness. To donate go to the United Church web site where you can donate online. And then, pray. It is the least we can do.
