Ebola Response in Sierra Leone

World Vision's Sierra Leone Ebola Response

The unprecedented Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in West Africa was first reported in Sierra Leone in March 2014 and rapidly spread, revealing the failures of the region’s chronically fractured and under-resourced healthcare system. In August 2014, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern”. Due to a lack of early-warning systems, Ebola spread rapidly and the country’s health system lacked the capacity to address the overwhelming number of Cases.  By March 2016, the WHO had documented a total of 14,124 cases of Ebola, including 3,955 deaths, in Sierra Leone – more than any other country.

World Vision was actively engaged in implementing preventive activities and case management in 25 of its Area Development Programs, which included 25 Chiefdoms in Bo, Bonthe, Pujehun, and Kono in Sierra Leone. Its Ebola response strategy was designed to work in close collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone to reach a population of 1.6 million through the establishment and mobilization of an extensive network of community providers, including teachers, paramount chiefs, and faith healers. The overall aim of the initiative was to prevent the transmission and spread of Ebola among the 59,000 children and their families across the country supported by sponsorships from WVI.

In an effort to assuage the fears and expectations of community members and ensure the intervention was responsive to their needs and expectations, World Vision Sierra Leone adopted an integrated and multi-sector response tailored to the needs and priorities of the communities it served. 

World Vision Reports on Ebola Response

 

 
 
 


Video about World Vision's work with Faith Leaders to increase Ebola Prevention and Awareness messaging:

 

Read more on Channels of Hope Ebola, faith leader engagement curriculum and programme, during the Ebola response. 

Community of Practice Webinar Discussions

17 March 2017.  Community of Practice reflections on Sierra Leone's 1-Year Ebola-Free Anniversary.  http://wvi.org/health/article/one-year-ebola-free-sierra-leone-community-reflections.  Presentations included summaries of two research papers looking at World Vision's successful community-based interventions, building trust with local community leaders, and the Safe and Dignified Burial Teams.

20 November 2014, the World Vision Global Health Community of Practice held an online discussion and presentation of its Sierra Leone Ebola Response.  You can listen to the recording at the link: https://wvi.webex.com/wvi/ldr.php?RCID=14518763caa95fb10b8df87a034acc99 Our speakers explored the many facets of the ebola response [listen to the recording] - and we pull out a few statements below on prioritized programming areas for World Vision and other FBOs.  Your continued prayers and financial support are coveted for our programming in Sierra Leone.

5 Priority Areas for FBO Ebola Response:

  • stop ebola spread: burial safety, home kits, messages
  • social mobilization
  • Enhance role of faith leaders
  • Kids and Survivors & Families
  • Address massive indirect impacts of ebola

Questions about World Vision's Sustainable Health Programming?  health@wvi.org