NYHQ2014-1522

On 15 September, a social mobilizer from NGO Association des Jeunes Conditionnaires et Manutentionnaires (AJCOM), a UNICEF partner, carries a basin of water past the soapy hands of children, in Conakry, the capital. The mobilizer is teaching the children about proper handwashing techniques, which help prevent the spread of diseases, including EVD. The mobilizer’s T-shirt bears the UNICEF logo.

In mid-September 2014, Guinea remains among countries in West Africa affected by the worst outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in history. On 16 September, UNICEF said it needs over US$200 million to respond to the outbreak, which has claimed over 2,400 lives and ravaged communities across West Africa. More than $55 million of the requested funds will go to Guinea. Additionally, nearly $65 million will go to UNICEF’s programmes in Liberia, around $61 million to Sierra Leone and $10 million to helping neighbouring countries be prepared for a potential spread of the disease within their borders. The remaining $9 million is needed for regional coordination efforts. The $200 million UNICEF requires is part of a broader, six-month appeal for $987.8 million that governments and humanitarian agencies require to fight the disease. UNICEF estimates that 8.5 million children and young people under the age of 20 live in areas affected by EVD in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, where disease transmission is widespread and intense. Of these, 2.5 million are under the age of 5. Nigeria and Senegal are also affected, having seen an initial case or cases, or experienced localized transmission.