There is little sign that the epidemic in West Africa is being brought under control with cases and deaths increasing
2/10/14 Following the launch of an emergency recruitment drive, GOAL has received over 500 applications for a medical response team to help stop the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa.
Barry Andrews, GOAL CEO, who recently returned from the region said, “We received an overwhelming response from Irish and International health professionals who have come forward to assist in the fight against Ebola and support these governments and communities to avoid the utter devastation predicted in the months to come.”
The aid agency called on doctors and nurses to staff Ebola treatment units in Sierra Leone in a major step-up in its efforts to contain the deadly virus as GOAL became a recent recipient of a management grant from the British Government.
The agency has been awarded £5million sterling (€6.4 million) as the managing agency for an Ebola Emergency Response Fund as awarded by the British Government. GOAL will be managing the funds as its partners implement urgent projects designed to reduce the further spread of the virus.
Mr Andrews added, “This grant will improve the efficiency of response to the Ebola crisis and allow us to fund desperately needed survivor kits, the construction of isolation and treatment centres, as well as other projects to battle this deadly virus.”
GOAL’s new recruit, Erin Polich, who will staff one of the much needed healthcare facilities in Sierra Leone said, “With renewed dedication from the international community and an increase in physical and human resources, we have a chance to turn the tide and prevent further calamity. What we do - or don't do - now will have ripple effects for years to come. As a public health professional, the choice to be involved in this response is something from which I couldn't turn away, and I'm looking forward to contributing.”
The most recent figures show the number of Ebola-infected patients in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone surpassed 6500 with more than 3000 deaths. According to a recent report, transmission remains persistent and widespread in the region. There are few signs yet that the epidemic in West Africa is being brought under control.
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For further comment, please contact:
Barry Andrews on 00353 (0)86 836 1396 in Dublin
Ciara Jordan
Media Support Officer
DD: 00 353 (0)1 905 9971
GOAL switch: 00 353 (0)1 280 9779
Email:cjordan@goal.ie