Ebola Outbreak - The Village is Prepared

       We have been communicating closely with Fodei and Munir about the Ebola threat and how we can combat it in Gbeworbu and the villages nearby. Our friend Stella Kirkendale provided us with a World Health Organization handbook on Ebola prevention and treatment in remote rural settings, and we were able to e-mail it to Fodei and get a total of 3 copies printed several weeks ago.  These information handbooks are guiding our outreach efforts.  Here are some basic questions and answers about the situation:

1. How close is Ebola to the village of Gbeworbu?  Things are very difficult in Kenema, 35 miles to the north, but Ebola has not yet spread beyond the Moa River, which runs about 5 miles south of the city -- so still about 30 miles away.  Many doctors and nurses have died at the Kenema Government Hospital, though, threatening its ability to function.  Latest word-of-mouth is that 10 expatriate specialists have arrived at the hospital, with 6 more expected, giving some hope that the hospital can not only function but actually make progress.  Cases are reportedly increasing in Zimmi, about 25 miles to the south of Gbeworbu and very close to the Liberian border.  Two weeks ago, there were two cases rumored there.  Now there are 11 deaths reported.  So Gbeworbu and the rest of Tunkia Chiefdom are caught between the spread coming from two directions. 


2.  What is being done in Gbeworbu?  The village has procured a supply of soap, hydrogen peroxide, face masks, gloves, and rehydration solution with funds from a donation through Africa Yes.  They are in the process of securing raincoats to use as protective covering, and anti-vomiting and anti-diarrhea medications.  Most of these supplies are to be used in case of an actual infection in the town.  The soap and hydrogen peroxide are also used in a preventative role.  Handwashing stations have been set up at both entrances to the town, and include both soap and a mild disinfectant solution.  The clinic has still not been approved for official use yet, but the building stands available for use to isolate patients with high fever.  Those with a fever that does not respond to treatment for malaria or over-the-counter medications are to be sent immediately to the government hospital.


3.  What is being done in surrounding villages?   Fodei and Munir have recruited 7 educated villagers to assist them, and have made a list of 19 villages in the surrounding area with whom there is a connection that will give them a strong initial trust level -- participation in the housing project or microcredit program, presence of blood relations, or intermarriage.  They have divided themselves into 3 teams.  One team has already visited 3 villages, and the other teams have visited 2 each.  They meet with the chief and elders in each village, then the chief summons the people and the team explains what Ebola is, how it is spread, how to minimize risk, and the importance of monitoring anyone with fever and getting them to a higher level of care if warranted, as well as how to safely dispose of the body of an Ebola victim. They also offer to help the village secure supplies similar to those already in Gbeworbu.


4.   Are there other, non-medical issues that may surface as the Ebola situation continues?   Yes.  One important one is that, since travel is restricted, a shortage of food normally brought to market from Freetown may develop in the Eastern Province.  Currently, rice and other staples are still relatively plentiful in the city, and people without fever are allowed to travel if they are transporting food.  However, if the epidemic worsens, drivers may become increasingly reluctant to transport loads to the affected areas, or may find their movements restricted by the authorities.  It is certain that transport on the back roads, already a difficult proposition, will become even more of a challenge.  We are already in the Hungry Season, when food is scarce in the rural areas.  The new rice crop will not mature for another 3-4 months, so we hope to stock some imported rice in each of the villages as a guard against any severe shortage that might develop.  We are beginning with 20 bags, purchased through a donation to Africa Yes, to be given as a goodwill gesture to several of the nearest neighbor villages, and Fodei will continue to assist them with food procurement if they agree to continue purchasing it at cost, which will enable it to be sustainable. 


5.  How can I help?   We need funds for: the above-mentioned Ebola prevention/treatment supplies for the 19 villages; rain gear and a small stipend for the volunteers conducting the outreach to those villages; and, transportation funds for petrol and hiring of motorcycle "taxis'.  Money goes a long way in Sierra Leone, so any size donation is helpful.  We have money that is currently earmarked for development projects next year, and hope to avoid being forced to choose between shorter-term and longer-term needs.  Donations for Ebola prevention will be doubly valuable in that they will, at the same time, preserve other funds for longer-horizon development -- housing, latrines, maternal/child health care, etc.  If you can help, please use the "Donate" button below, attend our event on Sept. 13th, or send a check to Africa Yes!, 2308 Sprunt Avenue, Durham, NC 27705.  All funds donated for projects go directly to the villagers; our very minor administrative costs are covered separately.

Even as they are addressing the Ebola threat, Fodei and Munir are already planning for the coming 2015 dry season and the opportunity to rebuild more houses, expand the Gbeworbu school, and receive final approval from the District Medical Officer to open the clinic.  Two more villages have been approved to join the housing project, making a total of 8 participating and 4 more on the waiting list.  Updates coming soon on these projects! 
                                                                                                                                                                  S.C.A