ChildFund launches appeal to help Ebola orphans

Media Release
Thursday, 16 October 2014

ChildFund launches appeal to help Ebola orphans

ChildFund New Zealand is asking New Zealanders to contribute to an emergency appeal to support children orphaned and stigmatised by Ebola.

As the death toll from Ebola rises, more than 3,000 orphaned and vulnerable children are the hidden victims of the crisis in West Africa.

ChildFund Liberia, in collaboration with Liberia’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has opened the first dedicated children’s Interim Care Centre in the Liberian capital, Monrovia, for children who have lost one or both parents to Ebola.

ChildFund New Zealand Chief Executive Paul Brown says the number of children orphaned and stigmatised by Ebola is increasing by the day, and the centre will provide a protective environment for these children and reduce the trauma associated with stigma around the disease.

“Here children, many of whom have seen their parents die tragically, will receive food, shelter, and health monitoring throughout their 21 day quarantine, while a permanent home is arranged.”

Additional centres in other areas will be established to support the increasing number of children affected.
Donations to ChildFund’s Ebola Crisis Appeal can be made by calling 0800 223 111 or online www.childfund.org.nz.

About ChildFund New Zealand
ChildFund New Zealand is a member of the ChildFund Alliance, an international child development organisation with 75 years of experience helping the world's neediest children, which works in more than 50 countries, assisting 16 million children and family members regardless of race, creed or gender.

ChildFund New Zealand works for the well-being of children by supporting locally led initiatives that strengthen families and communities, helping them overcome poverty and protect the rights of their children.

ChildFund's comprehensive programmes incorporate health, education, nutrition and livelihood interventions that sustainably protect, nurture and develop children. ChildFund works in any environment where poverty, conflict and disaster threaten the well-being of children.

ENDS

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