Highlights
As of 13 January 2015, the cumulative number of laboratory confirmed Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases is 7,816. The number of confirmed deaths is 2,702.
The World Health Organization (WHO) report indications that Ebola case incidence may be levelling off in Sierra Leone. But the country remains the one with the highest numbers of new cases.
Preparations are underway for a second mass distribution of anti- malaria treatments in Ebola hotspots. An estimated 2.5 million are expected to be reached in the coming days in a joint operation between the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), UNICEF and MSF.
The UNICEF-led Family Tracing and Reunification (FTR) network have identified 15,258 children as being directly affected by the Ebola crisis (7,664 girls & 7,594 boys), with 7,968 children having lost one or both parents to Ebola and 552 unaccompanied or separated from their caregiver. 9,103 Ebola-affected children have been provided with psychosocial support.
The new head of UNMEER, Ismail Ould Cheik Ahmed, made his first visit to Sierra Leone saying he was optimistic Ebola could be defeated in 2015 but warning a huge effort was still required.
A new World Bank study released this week found the Ebola emergency has had a wide-reaching impact on the economy of Sierra Leone, with businesses reporting average 40% drops in revenue since July/August. Reduced business hours introduced in the Western Area Surge remain in place in the capital.
UNICEF Sierra Leone requires USD 178 million for its response to the Ebola crisis until end of June 2015. To date, USD 113.9 million has been received – 64 percent of the total.