Patrice Gordon suits up to treat Ebola patients in Sierra Leone.
Image Credit: Facebook
January 26, 2015 - 7:31 PM
KAMLOOPS – Those interested in learning more about the Ebola crisis and what role British Columbians play in preventing its spread have the opportunity to attend a dialogue hosted by international development practitioners this Wednesday, Jan. 28.
'Rethinking the Ebola Crisis' will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Smorgasbord, 255 7 Ave.
Organizers of the event hope to hold a discussion and analysis of the perspective British Columbians have on their role as global citizens when it comes to the disease that has killed over 8,000 to date. Currently there are over 20,000 suspected or confirmed, time-sensitive cases, situated in West Africa.
"When we build an identity barrier between ‘us’ and ‘them’ and turn a blind eye to poverty, conflicts or failing states, we create a bubble easily burst by a tiny virus,” Michael Simpson, Executive Director, BC Council for International Cooperation said.
At the event, Kendall Kauffeldt who is the country director for Samaritan’s Purse Liberia will share about his recent experiences in the country and discuss the ongoing support patients have been receiving from the charity in West Africa.
Beyond Kauffeldt’s discussion, attendees can expect a video presentation from Nick Mason, the sponsorship manager for a small NGO in Sierra Leone, the We Yone Child Foundation. Mason will discuss the work the organization has done in conjunction with others to counter the Ebola outbreak in the slum areas of Freetown.
To talk about his time in Sierra Leone last April, the event will also feature Jeremy Heighton who is a local volunteer for Developing World Connections.
Recently, a British Columbian nurse made her return from Sierra Leone where she worked with the Red Cross to aid Ebola sufferers. She was admitted to Kelowna General Hospital, one of five facilities in B.C. where staff have been trained in dealing with Ebola, and put into isolation because of an elevated temperature after returning home in December. Her tests all came back negative, as have the tests of the other 15 B.C. residents who have returned home from affected countries since August.
Admission to the event is by donation. Funds raised will go towards province-based organizations focussed on working to assist those affected by the Ebola crisis.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Glynn Brothen at gbrothen@infonews.ca or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015