World Vision continues to support communities to remain vigilant against Ebola in Mali

Ebola Virus Disease was still persisting in Guinée-Conakry with two new cases recently. World VisionMali, Ebola Virus Disease Prevention and Preparedness Project (MEVDPPP) in collaboration with the staff of Yanfolila healthcare district, the troupe of theatre Sigida Nyetaa and the association of disable persons in Yanfolila, organized a mass awareness campaign on Ebola Virus Disease prevention.

 

The information campaign took place in the towns of Gwalala and Kalana which are very close to Guinée border (10 to 50 Km away). Under the leadership of religious leaders and heads of villages, 2,190 communities’ members received information and are now ready to adopt simple precautions in order to prevent Ebola Virus Disease.

 

Indeed, the troupe of theatre Sigida Nyetaa andthat of the association of disable persons in Yanfolila, informed and taught communities through public entertainments. They did perform role play in different locations. Those performances were related directly to Ebola Virus Disease and local practices. In their role play, they warn communities to avoid practices like the consumption of bush meat, bringing Ebola’s victim to traditional therapist, having handshake or other physical contacts, etc. “I heard about Ebola before but with the entertainment of the troupe of theatre, I have learnt more about it, and now I am confident about what to do in terms of action in case of Ebola in our community” said Francoise Sidibé.  

 

During the last 12 months, World Vision staff and communities’ members in the area of Yanfolila worked hand in hand to inform and train population on Ebola Virus Disease. The trainings include identification of transmission mode, reference of infected people to health centers, and application of hygiene practices.

 

David Kamissoko, the priest of Gwalala parish said: « After our training sessions with World Vision in collaboration with the local healthcare center chief medical doctor, we informed and trained students and families about the appropriate hygiene measures that they should adopt to protect themselves in case an infected person from Guinée enters our village».

 

World Vision was the first NGO to intervene in Yanfolila health district to fight Ebola by donating medical material, providing trainings to recognize EVD symptoms, teaching hygiene best practices and involving religious leaders to use their influence for a lasting behavior change. 

 

Adama Sidibé a staff of the main healthcare centre of Yanfolila: « With trainings and the information WV provided to our communities, we have been able to protect ourselves from an unexpected entrance of Ebola Virus Disease. WV contributed to protect us, safeguard our lives and the lives of our children. We are thankful to World Vision. May God protect us against Ebola Virus Disease.