Ebola: The World Must Respond

During worship yesterday I encouraged folk to respond to the latest United Church appeal, this time  to the plague of Ebola. The word plague is loaded, but what else would we call it? The number of those infected is growing exponentially and the infrastructure of the healthcare systems in the poor African countries where it is spreading simply aren't capable of keeping up. The international response has been slow, exasperating those who are most involved. Is it because this is considered an African illness? Would Western nations have responded with greater effectiveness and speed if this had erupted in Europe or South America?

I listened to a scientist last week who estimated as many 400,000 infected people by Christmas. Now we are told that it could be a million. And to date roughly half of those infected die. Liberia is the country most affected. I didn't know that until today, and you might not have either, a reminder that we aren't all that attuned to the specifics of the spread of Ebola. Liberian officials are concerned about the collapse of the economy and wars in the region as a result. Families are being destroyed. Medical workers are at great risk. Many of them are from Christian relief organizations, as well as Doctors Without Borders. The world must respond with compassion and all the resources at our disposal. 

Please be generous in responding and let your MP know this is important to you. The United Church website offers the opportunity to contribute online but you can do so through your local congregation as well. The ACT Alliance is a good way to respond because we work with partners in the countries affected. 

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