Why?
The purpose of this project is to prevent the spread of Ebola to Ivory Coast through organising prevention-targeted mobilisation campaigns and setting up a plan of action in case the virus reaches the country. 2014’s Ebola epidemic in West Africa is the largest to date, and the first ever outbreak in West Africa. The epidemic in the region began in Guinea and then spread to the neighbouring countries of Liberia and Sierra Leone. These three countries comprised the heart of the outbreak, having more than 11,000 deaths and over 28,000 cases between them. There were also smaller outbreaks in Senegal, Nigeria, and Mali. Countries that border afflicted countries are also at increased risk of infection. Ivory Coast, which shares frequently travelled borders with both Liberia and Guinea, is one of these countries. There have been no cases of Ebola in Ivory Coast. This project takes place in eight localities along Ivory Coast’s border with Guinea and Liberia.
What?
Ebola prevention activities are primarily carried out through awareness raising in communities, which is supported by strengthening the response capacity of the national health system and stakeholders. In both awareness raising and capacity strengthening, training of Red Cross volunteers, staff, and other health workers is carried out alongside establishing community coordination mechanisms with stakeholders. Communities receive messaging in schools, homes visits, and in public spaces where people congregate.
Who?
This project seeks to reach 14,000 people (2,000 households).