The National Department of Health (NDoH) in conjunction with the WHO are pleading to local companies to pledge toward the fight against Ebola.
To date in West Africa Ebola has claimed the lives of close to 2,500 people. Sierra Leone is the hardest hit country with infection rates rising faster than any other place. The infection rate has risen 21% in the last month. Of particular concern is rate of infection among healthcare workers is primarily due to a lack of formal training on how to deal with a highly infectious disease like Ebola.
The NDoH is aiming to set up a 40 bed mobile hospital in Sierra Leone with fully trained staff to provide treatment and diagnoses. The NDoH is also be sending healthcare workers into the more remote areas with small scooters and motorbikes. These healthcare workers are to educate and train the people of Sierra Leone while serving as disease tracers to cut the rate of infection. All the healthcare workers sent to Liberia will be volunteers who have had experience in similar conditions.
South Africa will also aid Guinea and Liberia with laboratories, equipment, and consumables. This is the particular plea to South Africa.
Government cannot do this alone and together with WHO are appealing to the South Africans and the private sector for help. This 9 month mission will cost in excess of R120 million.
Donation can be made in any form time, money, services, or equipment. You will find a full list of what is needed below and the costing of the mission.