Develop Africa: Ebola is personal

Ebola is personal.  It is more than just a faraway or distracting news item on TV.

Ebola is personal and real. In September 2014, Ruth, a Develop Africa volunteer nurse, passed away. Ruth, (pictured), contracted Ebola at work while trying to help a sick fellow worker in the hospital. She did not know that this sick worker had contracted the Ebola virus. A test for Ebola was done - but the results came after she had already made an effort to save her colleague’s life. She did not have on adequate Personal Protective Equipment at the time. Her husband and her sister (living in same house) have also tragically passed away from Ebola. Ruth was actively involved in Develop Africa Ebola sensitization campaigns held in September. She was completely healthy with no symptoms when she was involved in our campaigns. She was a tremendous resource, providing vital first aid services to children in the Wellington community in Sierra Leone. We are currently helping to take care of this orphaned family – consisting of 5 children (3 of who are extended family / children). They are thankfully all in good health. Two of the children (Dorcas and Emmanuel) are available for child sponsorship. We are actively working to help provide the needed protective equipment / resources to nurses and other health personnel. This will help keep them safe and prevent further spread of the Ebola virus. We need your help to ensure that all health workers have an adequate supply of protective equipment – gloves, gowns, masks, goggles etc. No one should become sick or die when helping others. Your support will make the difference between life and death for a health worker and his / her family. Thanks so much for your kind assistance! About Develop Africa - Develop Africa is a 501c3 non-profit organization working to establish meaningful and sustainable development in Africa. Develop Africa is involved in a range of programs in Africa supporting education, microfinance and small businesses, job skills / leadership development training etc. We empower lives in Africa so that they can better themselves, their communities and their nations. For more information, please visit our Ebola Web Page To donate or help provide personal protective equipment, please visit the Donation Page