Radio Combats Ebola/W. Africa
Donation protected
I am a former Peace Corps Volunteer (Sierra Leone 1985-87). In 2003 my family and I helped to launch a community radio station in Kailahun, in Eastern Sierra Leone, where the country borders Liberia and Guinea. Since then, Radio Moa 105.5 FM has provided citizens of all three countries with information on health, education and governance.
By now you have seen and heard about the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa, which, according to the World Health Organization, has claimed over 1,069 lives as of August 11th. In Sierra Leone, WHO reports that 334 people have died and there are 783 suspected cases. These figures are likely conservative. WHO last week declared the Ebola outbreak “an international public health emergency”.
When events like the Ebola outbreak occur, most people feel powerless to help. There is something meaningful you can do: assist a community radio station to provide critical, live-saving information to hundreds of thousands of people.
I spoke with Radio Moa’s manager, Foday Sajuma (pictured, in foreground) who reports that the situation is dire in Kailahun, which is one of the epicenters of the Ebola outbreak. Foday reports that the station is keeping the community informed through its daily broadcasts. Radio Moa is assisting health care professionals providing credible, timely information on the prevention, care and updates on Ebola.
Radio Moa, which serves a community with that has no central electricity and terrible roads, needs to upgrade its infrastructure to keep the station on air: a new generator to replace an aging, malfunctioning one; 3 motorcycles for journalists to reach the most remote areas, and hand-held, digital recorders for journalists to get the voices of health care workers, community leaders and everyday people on the air.
I am raising $20,000 to help Radio Moa 105.5 FM combat the disease and the fear around it with accurate information. Please join me. Topher Hamblett
By now you have seen and heard about the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa, which, according to the World Health Organization, has claimed over 1,069 lives as of August 11th. In Sierra Leone, WHO reports that 334 people have died and there are 783 suspected cases. These figures are likely conservative. WHO last week declared the Ebola outbreak “an international public health emergency”.
When events like the Ebola outbreak occur, most people feel powerless to help. There is something meaningful you can do: assist a community radio station to provide critical, live-saving information to hundreds of thousands of people.
I spoke with Radio Moa’s manager, Foday Sajuma (pictured, in foreground) who reports that the situation is dire in Kailahun, which is one of the epicenters of the Ebola outbreak. Foday reports that the station is keeping the community informed through its daily broadcasts. Radio Moa is assisting health care professionals providing credible, timely information on the prevention, care and updates on Ebola.
Radio Moa, which serves a community with that has no central electricity and terrible roads, needs to upgrade its infrastructure to keep the station on air: a new generator to replace an aging, malfunctioning one; 3 motorcycles for journalists to reach the most remote areas, and hand-held, digital recorders for journalists to get the voices of health care workers, community leaders and everyday people on the air.
I am raising $20,000 to help Radio Moa 105.5 FM combat the disease and the fear around it with accurate information. Please join me. Topher Hamblett
Organiser
Topher Hamblett
Organiser
Barrington, RI
