Unprecedented appeal to tackle "human catastrophe" of ebola in west Africa
TheDisasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is to break with protocol and launch a campaign to help west Africa fight the spread of deadly ebola.
In an unprecedented move, the DEC will launch a campaign on Thursday (30 October) asking the public for funds to help fight the virus in countries such as Liberia where, it warns, a medical emergency is turning into a humanitarian catastrophe.
Usually the DEC tackles disasters and human catastrophes but has never before in its 50 year history responded to a health epidemic.
DEC’s chief executive, Saleh Saeed, said the fact it had decided to mount an appeal to tackle the problem was a sign of just how serious the situation in west Africa has become.
“In its 50-year history the DEC has launched appeals for humanitarian disasters caused by floods, famines, earthquake, typhoons, and countless conflicts,” he said.
In west Africa today we are seeing a disease create not just a medical crisis, but a humanitarian emergency
"We have never run an appeal in response to a disease outbreak – until today.
“While many chronic diseases cause untold suffering in poorer countries, the worst acute outbreaks of deadly diseases such as measles or cholera have usually occurred in the wake of another type of disaster.
“In west Africa today we are seeing a disease create not just a medical crisis, but a humanitarian emergency. Without urgent action to stop the spread of ebola and to help those affected by the crisis, parts of west Africa face catastrophe within 60 days.”
The appeal for funds will support work being undertaken by the 13 charities which make up the DEC.
This includes safe disposal of bodies – which are highly infectious – tracing the contacts of people who are sick, protecting orphans and children left without families, raising awareness in communities of the risks of infection, providing food, clothing, medical supplies, water and sanitation services and also running some treatment centres.
All the main UK broadcasters will be carrying the DEC appeal, including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky.
Donations will be taken on the website www.dec.org.uk or by phone on 0370 60 60 900. Text donations of £5 can be made by texting SUPPORT to 70000.
