Ebola

Ebola Outbreak Response by MRC in Sierra Leone

Ebola Situation in Sierra Leone - 26th July 2015

While MRC was (and is) fighting to reduce the high maternal, neonatal and child mortality rates in Sierra Leone, a new threat to healthy communities in Sierra Leone emerged in May 2014: Ebola Virus Disease. 

The first case in Sierra Leone was confirmed in the week of 20th May. Unfortunately the outbreak is still ongoing today (26th July 2015). There are now 8,695 confirmed cases (of which in our districts: Bombali 1,049, Tonkolili 455, Bo 314). The total number of confirmed deaths is 3,585.

A National Ebola Response Centre (NERC) is in place that follows the Ebola outbreak response national strategy. The NERC is led by MOHS and WHO and works closely together with all other partners in Sierra Leone.

The Facebook page of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation contains regular updates on the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak and the response. See:
MRC and the Ebola Outbreak Response

MRC has supported the national Ebola Virus Disease outbreak response with several inputs.  These include the provision of an ambulance to the hardest hit district (Kailahun), purchase/provision of disinfection/protection supplies and clearing/distribution of these supplies. 

MRC continues to source more personal protective equipment supplies (in-kind) and funds for more supplies, distribution of the supplies and community education. 

MRC regularly attends national Ebola coordination meetings. 

MRC's Director visited the USA last year as part of a Sierra Leonean national delegation to source support for the Ebola response in the USA.
During his stay in the USA he also visited one of MRC's main donors Direct Relief. 
You can read the story of his visit here: Ebola blog

MRC Director visiting Direct Relief warehouse

MRC is engaged in Ebola Messaging Research see our Research page.
Direct Relief supporting MRC's Ebola activities

Direct Relief donated 9 pallets of personal protective equipment to MRC. The supplies arrived in Freetown in the first week of September. 

Air pallets Direct Relief begin September 2014

See also the story on the Direct Relief website:



And the Sierra Leone newspaper report:

Donation to military mohs 11sept2014
We need YOUR help:
1. Financial support to distribute (Post) Ebola supplies and reach out to communities to prevent and control Ebola and increase access to/ utilisation of health services 
2. In-kind support, especially supplies and equipment for our supported facilities (Infection Prevention materials like Personal Protective Equipment (gloves, gowns etc.) for health workers that treat (suspected) Ebola cases and general hygiene supplies to prevent spread of Ebola (e.g. buckets with taps, chlorine but also regular health facility supplies).
For more information please contact: office@mrc-sl.org