The Sierra Leonean diaspora tackling Ebola from afar
The Sierra Leonean community in the UK shared their ideas on how to help those affected by Ebola in West Africa when Public Health Minister Jane Ellison attended a recent major engagement event in London.
I was privileged to attend the event to address the conference organised by the Sierra Leone UK Diaspora Ebola Response Taskforce.
Health care workers, charities, aid organisations, business people and members of the UK’s Sierra Leonean diaspora gathered to discuss the effects of the Ebola outbreak on Sierra Leone and topics such as health care provision, education, orphans and maternal health were covered.
I took part in round-table discussions relating to the international response and was able to hear the views and concerns of delegates. Such concerns and ideas from people with family, friends and local knowledge of Sierra Leone can be fed back to the government’s emergency response team and make a positive impact to the ongoing support effort.
The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Sierra Leone to tackle this devastating situation. This event was an excellent opportunity for me to meet members of the diaspora who are working hard to respond to the variety of challenges West Africa faces because of Ebola.
I was impressed and moved by the passion and commitment of those attending and their positive approach to making a real difference on the ground in Sierra Leone.
Further information
For information on the UK Government’s response to Ebola go to www.gov.uk/ebola
Follow @SLUKDERT for more information on the work of the Sierra Leone UK Diaspora Ebola Response Taskforce.
Images by Chukwu-Emeka P F Chikezie, November 2014
