UNICEF New Zealand Launches Ebola Emergency Appeal

Donate at: www.unicef.org.nz/ebola

As the numbers of infected and related deaths from Ebola continue to rise at an alarming pace, UNICEF New Zealand has today launched an emergency appeal for urgently needed funds in order to stem the spread of the virus.

Vivien Maidaborn, Executive Director at UNICEF New Zealand, said, “The current Ebola crisis unfolding in West Africa, and now further afield, is unprecedented in both its severity and its rapidly multiplying scale. More worrying still is that it shows no signs of stopping.

“UNICEF’s main concern at this stage is for the thousands of children affected both directly and indirectly by the crisis. Children are succumbing to the virus on a daily basis and are also affected immediately when parents become ill.

“Children infected by the disease are faced with desperately stretched healthcare systems and isolation due to the contagious nature of the virus. Because of fear and misconceptions surrounding Ebola, those lucky enough to survive the virus still face the threat of isolation and stigmatisation from their families and communities.

“We are hearing heart-breaking stories from our colleagues in the field, of children that have lost one or both parents and are now ostracised by other family members or their community for fear they could potentially pass on the virus.

“UNICEF estimates that at least 3,700 children have been orphaned to date and this is predicted to double by the middle of October,” Ms Maidaborn added.

UNICEF’s Chief of Crisis Communications, Sarah Crowe, who was just in Liberia for 5 weeks, says of the effect the crisis is having on children, "What we have seen so far is merely the tip of the iceberg. If we don’t act now to stem the spread of this deadly virus, the consequences really are unthinkable. To stop Ebola spreading further, support must go to valiant efforts on the ground in all affected countries."

In response to the crisis, UNICEF is despatching life-saving supplies, educating and helping families and communities on how to protect themselves, preparing at risk countries in order to prevent a further spread, sending in extra staff and raising much needed funds.

Ms Maidaborn added, “The rate at which the virus is currently spreading is astounding and we urgently need increased funding in order to get more supplies and staff to the epicentre of this crisis in West Africa.”

UNICEF has been on the front lines of the crisis since it began earlier this year and will continue to be a driving force in the emergency response with the help of generous New Zealanders.

“There are more emergencies unfolding worldwide than ever before and millions of children in South Sudan, the Syrian region and Iraq to name but a few, are experiencing a tragic reality that no child should have to face. In spite of this, we cannot let the Ebola crisis carry on unabated and must do all we can now to prevent any further devastating results,” Ms Maidaborn concluded.

Donations can be made at: www.unicef.org.nz/ebola

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