On the eve of Sierra Leone being declared ebola-free, Caritas says the impact of the epidemic is likely to linger long into the future in the West African country.
Countless children were greatly affected and continue to be affected by the Ebola outbreak that ravaged both their lives as well as their families more than just physically.
Rebecca Mulvah is happy to be back home in her village of Balakatala. Rebecca, 34, fled to camp out in the bush, when rumors that her village would be burned by people from a neighbouring one filled her with terror. Her village had Ebola.
Caritas Ebola coordinator in Liberia André Stelder reports on his travels in Liberia as the country recovers post-Ebola epidemic.
The last confirmed Ebola patient in Liberia has been dismissed from the treatment centre. Over the past 12 days, there were no new confirmed cases. If this is maintained for 35 days Liberia will be officially Ebola free.
The devastating reality of the epidemic hits when you visit the rural villages first hit by the epidemic. In Bong County, the Catholic Church has been the only institution able to reach the most remote areas. Talking to the communities there, the scale and impact of Ebola comes home.
The Ebola epidemic in West Africa has killed almost 9000 people. But the worst outbreak of Ebola now appears to be slowing, especially in Liberia which now has just a handful of cases. The Caritas response continues in Liberia with more aid arriving.
Good news from Liberia is that the number of new Ebola infections are down. But much is needed to be done to prevent future outbreaks and help communities rebuild.
2014 was a terrible year for Liberia. Everyone has a horror story. Whole families were eradicated. The Catholic hospital here in Monrovia lost most of its health staff and management. They didn’t run away; they are dead.
When the worst outbreak of Ebola in history struck West Africa, Caritas swung into action. Much has been done to contain the outbreak and care for communities affected, but more action is needed in 2015.