Collections for the Disasters Emergency Committee aid appeal for Ebola will be taking place around the Isle of Man this weekend.
So far, almost 5,000 people have been killed by the deadly Ebola virus in the current outbreak and more than 13,000 have been infected. However, experts say the real figures could be far higher due to under-reporting.
The situation in West Africa is not only a health crisis, but also a humanitarian crisis with global dimensions. The explosive spread of the Ebola virus is ripping apart health services, devastating communities, and destroying people’s ability to support themselves.
Already fragile health services are not able to contain this outbreak, with a severe lack of trained health workers and vital equipment, as well as a dangerous lack of knowledge within communities about how to prevent the spread of the disease.
The DEC is made up of 13 leading UK aid agencies and appeal money goes to support the member agencies and their partners who are currently working on the ground to help stop the spread of the disease and providing support to those affected by the crisis. DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said,
“Our member agencies have already done a great deal to help stop the spread of the virus and support those caught up in the crisis – providing medical supplies, educating communities, distributing food aid, and supporting safe and dignified burials. However, there is still so much more to do.
“Every pound donated will help us to make a big impact in some of the worst affected areas.”
DEC appeals in the Isle of Man are co-ordinated by the One World Centre which forms part of the Rapid Response Network. Volunteers will be collecting for the appeal in the following locations:
Douglas – Friday 14th and Saturday 15th November
Castletown, Peel and Ramsey – Saturday 15th November
Port Erin – Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th November
More volunteer collectors are needed – anyone who is able to help is asked to call Rosemary Clarke on 800464 or email info@owciom.org as soon as possible.
More information about the appeal can be found at www.dec.org.uk.
