WV SIERRA LEONE Category II National Office Response Level Emergency Declaration for the Flood and Waterborne Disease Out Break
TO: WVI Partnership. FROM: WV Sierra Leone Acting National Director – Fred D. Musinya DATE: August 30th 2012
RE: WV SIERRA LEONE Category II National Office Response Level Emergency Declaration for the Flood and Waterborne Disease Out Break
Owing to the current heavy rains that started in May 2012, Sierra Leone has experienced seasonal floods in different parts of the country especially in the low lands that includes the capital city Freetown. These floods in turn have caused an outbreak of water borne diseases of which Cholera is the most notable and has been declared a National Health disaster. Apart from outbreak of the Cholera, the floods have also affected several families with WVSL’s area of operation.
Thus, I am today declaring a Category II Emergency National Office Response Level for all of WVSL operational areas that includes Bo District, Bonthe District, Pujehun District, Kono District and also Freetown where our National office are based and that is within the western area which has a higher number of recorded cases and mortality rates.
I have taken this action following the presidential declaration and appeal for support in managing the overwhelming situation by the government of Sierra Leone on August 16th 2012. The recommendations of WVSL National Emergency Preparedness Team who in coordination with Regional HEA colleagues who assessed the current situation and based on the HEA standards submitted a situation analysis for the RHEAD and GC Declaration Decision Group (DDG) for revision and approval. On August 29th, 2012, WVSL received a positive response from the DDG.
The Minister of Health, Madam Zainab Hawah Bangura, confirms that this is the worst Cholera Outbreak, since 1998, and as at 28th August 2012, it has claimed 231 lives, 14,465 reported cases and 11 districts affected out of 12 districts, the Minister further predicts that the death toll will surpass the 2,500 deaths in the 2011 Cholera outbreak. Further, other agencies including UN have predicted that number of cases will increase to 32,000 in the next three months.
World Vision Sierra Leone currently has 25 active ADPs that spread across four districts and projects within these ADPs help and support a total 48,111 registered children.
I am therefore appealing to the entire partnership to pray for the affected people, but to also help mobilize resources that will enable us intervene and support those that are suffering.
I thank you for support. May the Lord bless you!
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