Lifesaving Information: Halting Ebola in Liberia

We’re thrilled to report that we’ve sent a large number of our emergency Polaris radio-lights to Liberia. The Polaris is an ideal product for the Ebola outbreak: with its choice of solar, hand crank and external power recharge options, it doesn’t require costly batteries, and it’s rubberized for the humid climate of Liberia. The LED flashlight gives the added benefit of providing dependable light at night for either walking or undertaking a task.

Our local partner is the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). They are working closely with the government in its national Ebola response. In conjunction with Liberia's Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW), the Polaris units will be distributed in Montseraddo - a hotspot of Ebola outbreaks in Liberia. The UNDP and Ministry are conducting a door-to-door awareness campaign, while searching for the sick and the dead.  The radios are a vital component of the campaign, as they can provide families who are quarantined with the information they so desperately need. There is no shortage of information on Ebola being broadcast by local radio stations, but for many Liberians the cost of a radio and ongoing cost of batteries is simply prohibitive.  In addition, the Ebola crisis is impacting livelihoods and people who are already poor have even less ability to buy what they need. 

Information being broadcast includes overall health information, how to keep from being infected, and what to do if people suspect they have Ebola. Many African singers have done a great job in producing catchy songs with information about Ebola – and our radios are helping ensure that people hear these vital messages.

We are deeply grateful to our generous sponsors who’ve made it possible for us to make a significant contribution to the fight against Ebola. We will be continuing to raise funds to send further units to West Africa.