British Red Cross launches emergency appeal to tackle Ebola outbreak
Press Release
For immediate release 4 August 2014
For further information Henry Makiwa
Contact number HMakiwa@redcross.org.uk 0207 877 7479
British Red Cross launches emergency appeal to tackle Ebola outbreak
• Delegates have been deployed to the region
• Red Cross teams are helping to dispose of bodies which carry the infec tion
• Download pictures here and here
• For broadcast-quality B Roll footage, please click here
The British Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to help communities affected by the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa.
Ebola has claimed more than 720 lives across Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, in what is the worst outbreak of the disease in history.
The Red Cross, along with governments and aid agencies in the region, is increasing efforts to prevent the spread of the virulent disease.
The Red Cross, among other agencies, is at the forefront of the fight against the highly infectious disease. Our staff and volunteers are working tirelessly within affected communities to educate people on how to prevent further infections and tackle the stigma associated with the virus.
Mandeep Mudhar, British Red Cross West Africa disaster response officer, said: “This outbreak shows no signs of abating, but we are doing everything we can to prevent new infections and help raise awareness about the disease.
“The Red Cross’ unique position in providing community health and hygiene promotion work is essential in avoiding further spread of the Ebola virus across the region. Money raised from this appeal will be invaluable in contributing to this fight.
Red Cross workers are disposing of the bodies of those who have died, which remain infectious, and are also trying to trace people who may have come into contact with Ebola.
A number of specialist British Red Cross workers have been deployed to the region to help support the relief effort.
This outbreak, which began in Guinea in March, has a fatality rate of more than 50 per cent.
Ebola’s symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, internal and external bleeding. There is currently no cure or vaccine for the Ebola virus, although its spread can be prevented.
END
Appeal details
Appeal name – Ebola Outbreak Appeal
Donation inpoint – www.redcross.org.uk/ebolavirus
Postal donations –
British Red Cross
Ebola Outbreak Appeal
44 Moorfields
London
EC2Y 9AL
Phone donations – 0845 054 7200
For interviews, photography, case studies or more information, please contact Henry Makiwa (HMakiwa@redcross.org.uk 0207 877 7479)
In Conakry:
Dr Facely Diawara, head of health, Red Cross Society of Guinea
Phone: +224 628 68 22 07/ 628 38 64 72 E-mail: faceli76@yahoo.fr
(French interviews only)
In Addis Ababa:
Katherine Mueller, communications manager, IFRC Africa, Mobile: +251 930 03 3413 E-mail: katherine.mueller@ifrc.org
In Geneva :
Benoit Carpentier, senior officer, public communication, IFRC Mobile: +41 79 213 24 13 E-mail : benoit.carpentier@ifrc.org
The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies.
We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies
in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them to recover and move on
with their lives.
Henry Makiwa
Senior Media Relations Officer
Media and External relations
*: 44 Moorfields, London , EC2Y 9AL
(: +44 (0) 20 7877 7479 (direct line)
After hrs (: +44 7710391703
Twitter: @makiwahenry