World Vision emergency health supplies help Mali remain vigilant against Ebola

World Vision's first donation of equipment to protect against Ebola has arrived in Mali. 

Two 20-foot metal shipping containers arrived in the country last week carrying respirators, surgical and face masks, syringes, lab coats and other protective gear. The goods will be used by Mali’s Ministry of Health to protect its frontline health staff.

Mali was declared Ebola-free on January 18, but World Vision remains vigilant.

“Our prayer is that no other frontline medical worker – or anyone else throughout the country – becomes infected by Ebola again."

It is believed the first Malian Ebola patient contracted the virus at the border it shares with neighbouring Guinea. Because of the highly contagious nature of the virus, the geographical proximity of the outbreak, and the regular cross-border travel between neighbouring countries, Malians remain on high alert.

“Our prayer is that no other frontline medical worker – or anyone else throughout the country – becomes infected by Ebola again,” said Chance Briggs, World Vision’s National Director in Mali. “We are working diligently to protect and prevent the virus from attacking us here.”

To date, the deadly virus has killed more than 8,600 people in West Africa – six of whom are from Mali.

In addition to the donated emergency health supplies, World Vision has trained 80 pastors, imams and health workers with prevention and protection messages to share with their communities.

In addition to the donated emergency health supplies, World Vision has trained 80 pastors, imams and health workers with prevention and protection messages to share with their communities. Following those workshops, the newly-trained community leaders shared the public health messages with more than 300,000 people in Gao, Ségou, Koro, Kolokani, and Bamako.

World Vision will continue these awareness-raising workshops in the next several months and will work closely with Mali’s Ministry of Health to support case identification and contact tracing should the virus reappear in Mali.