images-1The deadly Ebola virus seemed like a far-off horror until it made its way to America. And while those rare cases in our country have been cured, in Africa—especially Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone—thousands continue to suffer. The World Health Organization says Ebola has already killed 5,000 people, infected twice that number, and could infect millions in West Africa in the next 12 months without quick, effective interventions. Here’s how just a few clicks can make a big difference:
UNICEF funds will be used to airlift 50,000 protection kits into Liberia to help stop the spread of the disease.

The protection kits (same as above) go directly to children who have been orphaned by Ebola.
The Red Cross, which has a history in Liberia, will send additional staff members to Monrovia and other parts of the country to help with the outbreak. A related organization, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, has more than 4,000 volunteers in West Africa focused on Ebola. It has reached about 40 percent of its funding goal for efforts in Liberia. Visitors can volunteer, apply for a job or donate. A $175 donation to the International Federation of the Red Cross buys one family solidarity kit that includes food, clothing, condoms, bedding, laundry supplies, tableware and a water jug.
Doctors Without Borders have been busy establishing treatment centers throughout the affected regions; a donation to their efforts is guaranteed to be an effective one. A $500 donation can provide a basic Health Kit containing drugs and medical equipment to provide health care for 10,000 displaced persons for three months.
 
TackleEbola.comset up by billionaire Paul G. Allen, directs small donors to projects that need financing, like 6,000 hand-washing stations or beds for a center treating patients infected with the virus. The Microsoft co-founder is also underwriting the administrative costs of these initiatives. A donation of $27.50 pays for one household prevention kit, while a $55 donation provides one public hand-washing station in West Africa. A donation of $2,000 provides 27,518 rations of Supercereal for adults and pregnant women. $3,788 pays for three ground physicians and registered nurses at one center for a day.

Partners in Health is working closely with an organization in Liberia and another in Sierra Leone to combat the outbreak. The organization is looking for health care professionals to join its staff as well as volunteers for short- and long-term positions. It is also accepting donations for its Ebola programs. 92% of whatever you donate to PIH goes toward medicine and treatment centers in Liberia. Donation boxes range from $50 to $7,500, and there’s the option to give the amount of your choosing.

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