In response to the Ebola outbreak that is still ongoing in West Africa, Development and Peace is contributing an additional $100,000 to Caritas Sierra Leone’s humanitarian interventions.
Sierra Leone has been, and continues to be, the country most severely affected by this epidemic. It has experienced the largest number of infections and deaths, and there are still several focal points of infection in the country.
The primary objective of this intervention is to put a definitive end to the spread of the virus in Sierra Leone. To achieve this, community initiatives for preventing and controlling the disease will be carried out in 200 targeted villages in the country.
At the same time, 400 families will receive food aid as well as critical necessities.
This collaboration is also aimed at sustainably supporting the many victims of the crisis, enabling them to rebuild their lives and strengthen the social fabric of their communities.
Among the first steps, psychosocial support will be offered to women and girls, who are particularly vulnerable and exposed to a greater risk of violence, exploitation and sexual abuse in the present context.
Young children must also receive psychological counselling. Through the work of Caritas Sierra Leone, it is expected that more than 1,000 orphans will be able find a family by being integrated into the home of one of their relatives or within their community of origin, despite the stigma they suffer as survivors.
In rural areas, women make a huge contribution to their families' livelihood, but they have been hit hard by the epidemic, which has paralyzed production and commerce. A program will therefore be developed to revive their income-generating activities.
To learn more about the partners we are supporting in response to the Ebola outbreak and the current situation in affected countries, please see our special report.