Lifesaving Information: Halting Ebola in Liberia

Since our last update, we’re happy to say that we’ve sent a further consignment of our emergency Polaris radio-lights to Liberia. Our local partner, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), has distributed the radios in areas where they’ve been enthusiastically received. The Polaris is an ideal product in such emergency situations – it’s providing people with trusted information and support, light at night, and isn’t reliant on batteries or electricity for power.

One of the recipients of the Polaris is Josephine, a 32-year-old Ebola survivor who lost 29 family members, including her husband and her three children. It is hard to comprehend the enormity and devastation of her loss. What is so remarkable about Josephine, though, is that she has since taken in and is looking after six children who had also lost their families to the virus. Our gift of a radio seems like a small gesture indeed measured against the generosity and compassion of her heart – but we are grateful that the Polaris is able to make a positive difference in her life. Josephine was interviewed by the UNDP after receiving her Polaris – and you can listen to her words here.  

Reports coming out of Liberia indicate that the Ebola outbreak is largely under control, but it will be months before life starts returning to what is was before. Radios – and the life-saving support they provide – are still urgently needed. People have been left even worse off financially, and are unlikely to be able to afford batteries for radios. We will be continuing to raise funds for further units to Liberia; and the UNDP will distribute as many as we can send.