Salvation Army fighting deadly disease
Salvation Army fighting deadly disease
A large Salvation Army health project is underway in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) aimed at preventing the spread of the Ebola virus among the population of Goma, in the far east of the country.
The current outbreak, which started in August 2018, is the largest-ever Ebola outbreak in DRC with more than 900 cases and almost 600 deaths attributed to the virus in North Kivu and Ituri provinces alone. There is a high risk of further geographical spread of the outbreak to Goma, a short distance away from areas of confirmed cases.
The Salvation Army project aims to
The Ebola virus causes a severe and often fatal fever accompanied by internal and external bleeding. It is spread from person to person through body fluids, so adhering to good hygiene practices is one of the most important ways of avoiding infection.
To this end, The Salvation Army is working with 10 health
As well as the extensive Ebola prevention training program, The Salvation Army has provided all the churches and schools identified with hygienic handwashing facilities. This includes a large capacity water tank, with a tap, washbasin and an initial supply of 10 bottles of liquid soap.
In liaison with the country’s Ministry of Public Health department, the roll-out will also see The Salvation Army providing 10 clinics with similar equipment – with the liquid soap replaced by a professional chlorine-based antibacterial agent.
The clinics will also be provided with protective clothing, including boots, safety goggles, face masks, gloves and full-body Ebola suits in quantities sufficient for every member of staff. Each clinic will also be equipped with a triage
Technology is also being used to good effect, with the online messaging platform WhatsApp being
Speaking from Goma, Damaris Frick, The Salvation Army Deputy Coordinator of International Emergency Services, said: “The Salvation Army in Goma is small but their contribution and work is significant. To date there have been no confirmed cases of Ebola in Goma. Our hope is that together with the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation and many other stakeholders our efforts will prevent this deadly virus spreading further.”
The project costs are in the region of AUD$250,000. Donors wishing to support The Salvation Army Africa Disaster Fund can do so securely online.
From a report by International Emergency Services International Headquarters
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