The Ebola epidemic in West Africa, which has affected thousands of people and left deep scars on whole communities and countries, was confirmed one year ago.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement says complacency and silence are now the greatest enemies in defeating the disease and have launched an international awareness-raising campaign centered on using “the right words” to help end the disease.
The goals of the campaign –
Words Against Ebola – are to promote knowledge and awareness, alleviate fear, overcome complacency, and create a community of global support to bring Ebola cases down to zero.
“Here in Canada, our words have the power to turn up the volume and be heard - loud and clear. We can help bring back global attention to the outbreak and shine the light on what still needs to be done,” said Conrad Sauvé, Secretary General and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross.
“To date, much has been accomplished, and the Canadian Red Cross with support of generous Canadians and the Government of Canada, has made a meaningful impact in West Africa. However, now is not the time for complacency,” said
Sauvé.
The fight against Ebola continues and all Canadians can help.
Since the current Ebola outbreak was declared in March 2014, the Red Cross has been conducting Ebola preparedness and response activities in 16 West African countries with programs aimed at reaching 39 million people. The Canadian Red Cross supports global Red Cross efforts, deploying 44 medical and support staff to the three most affected countries, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.
You can share your own word against Ebola by visiting
wordsagainstebola.org and read stories from
Ebola survivors and our dedicated Ebola fighters.
Canadians wishing to support the Red Cross response in the West Africa can make a financial donation to the
West Africa Ebola Fund.