MONROVIA, LIBERIA – ADRA Liberia is distributing 800 Christmas Packs to Ebola survivors and their families in five counties in Liberia, including Margibi and Montserrado, the two hardest hit by the virus.
The Christmas Packs—also called solidarity kits—contain disinfectant, laundry and bath soap, one set of bedding, basic clothing, a mattress and pillow and cooking pots. The packs also have food for approximately two months including beans, rice, canned fish, powdered milk, cooking oil and sugar.
Christmas Pack distribution, which will be completed by the end of December, will help meet the basic needs of Ebola survivors and their households during the holiday season. Some households will also receive psychosocial counseling services. Several faith-based partners are supporting this project.
“Though survivors may have lost love ones, come close to death, face stigma in society and have lost livelihood, there is still a community of people who care about them and is ready to support them as they rebuild their lives,” said Annette Witherspoon, Emergency Coordinator at ADRA Liberia.
The Ebola virus has infected a reported 19,340 individuals in West Africa since the outbreak began in March. This includes 7,830 cases in Liberia that led to 3,376 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.
In response to the Ebola crisis in West Africa, ADRA has also distributed personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants and emergency food supplies. ADRA has been providing educational materials and engaging congregations and communities in awareness activities.