épidémie

West Africa is struck by the coronavirus pandemic, as much by the virus itself as it is also struck by the impacts of measures put in place by governments to prevent the virus from spreading among the most vulnerable populations. But the region has a major asset: its youth who, in times of crisis, has chosen to mobilize and be part of the solution.

Coronavirus is threatening us all. With each day, in every family, community and country, more of us are being personally affected by it. To beat the pandemic and avert harm to the lives of billions we must work together. We need to act across all countries and for every person. Fighting for some but not others is not an option. It only fuels risk for us all.

The World Bank and international donors must find $1.7 billion to improve dangerously inadequate health systems in Ebola-affected countries said Oxfam.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and international agency Oxfam today called on donors and others to join forces to support the government’s $60m appeal to upgrade Liberian schools with water and sanitation facilities as thousands of children across the country return to school for the first time in six months. 

Today (Friday 31st October) marks the half way point in the UN’s Ebola response plan for West Africa which aims to bring the outbreak under control by the end of November. Since October 1st, we have seen some positive and encouraging steps. For example, pledges have reached almost $1 billion and several nations have offered military and other support.

Oxfam is calling for a concerted international effort to stop Ebola and is calling for military logistical support.

International agency Oxfam has doubled its cholera response since the first cases were confirmed in October in Haiti. Oxfam’s water, sanitation and hygiene education programs are now reaching over 700,000 people in the capital Port-au-Prince, Artibonite, and Cap Haitien.

Zimbabwean children and their families are being forced to choose between an education and immediate survival, with cholera adding yet another obstacle to today's scheduled return to school. The disruption could blight the future of millions of children.