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Salvation Army joins the fight against Ebola
Thursday, 18th September 2014 I For immediate release
The Salvation Army has joined the fight against the deadly Ebola disease through a number of initiatives in Liberia, West Africa.
Forty volunteer workers have been recruited to bolster The Salvation Army’s mobile medical clinic team in the country.
The latest estimates from the WHO are that more than 2 500 people have so far been killed by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
Major Carin Holmes, PR Secretary of the Southern African Territory of The Salvation Army, says: “Even though we in South Africa are far away from the epicentre of the Ebola virus, we are deeply concerned about the impact this disease is having on our fellow Africans. We are grateful that our colleagues in Liberia are able to assist in the fight against Ebola, and promise our prayers in their initiative.”
She added that if members of the public wished to help with this initiative, they could donate R30 by sending an SMS to 42290 with the word “Ebola” in the subject line. SMSs cost R30 each.
“We will ensure that the funds received in this way are channeled to the efforts by The Salvation Army to combat Ebola,” she added.
Sanitiser, gloves and mouth guards to protect against the virus have been distributed in 17 communities where Ebola is prevalent. Residents in these areas are particularly susceptible to the disease due to poverty and unhygienic living conditions. Food packages – including rice, beans and cooking oil – have also been offered to families in particular need.
Some 6 500 individuals have benefited to date, including inmates at the national Monrovia Central Prison, where The Salvation Army was requested to extend its distribution by the local authorities.
Additionally, disinfectant and protective clothing has been supplied to medical practitioners tackling the epidemic. This is important in order to ensure their safety as they carry out their duties.
The World Health Organisation is concerned that at present ‘the number of new cases is moving far faster than the capacity to manage them’ and there is currently no vaccine available to combat the disease. Prevention is therefore key to the emergency response.
The Southern Africa Territory of The Salvation Army encompasses four countries – South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland – and the island of St Helena. Its officers, soldiers and full-time employees provide their spiritual and community services through approximately 230 corps (churches), societies and outposts, as well as through schools, hospitals, institutions for children, street children, the elderly, men and abused women, and daycare, goodwill, rehabilitation and social centres.
ISSUED BY QUO VADIS COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE SALVATION ARMY
Media Contact: Ruth Coggin
Tel: 011-487-0026
Cell: 082-903-5819
Click here to e-mail Ruth
Client Contact: Major Carin Holmes
Public Relations Secretary
Tel: 011-718-6745
Cell: 082-994-4351
Click here to e-mail Carin