There is currently a lot of attention in the global news for the Ebola virus. Yet the people most at risk often lack the essential knowledge, and the means, to protect themselves adequately.

Our colleague Shine writes from Monrovia, Liberia: "I am sure you have heard about the Ebola outbreak in some parts of West Africa, affecting Guinea, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Liberia in particular. It’s the worst outbreak ever recorded. Over 1,100 people have died and the World Health Organization has declared it a global health emergency.

Currently, Liberia has reported more deaths than other affected nations, prompting a quarantine and curfew in the Capital. Due to the rapid spread, 11 of the 15 Counties have now been affected since the outbreak in March this year. According to Liberia Ministry of Health, there are now 1,386 clinical cases (328 confirmed, 676 probable, 382 suspected) with 754 deaths as at 24 August.

If nothing is done fast, Liberia risks losing this fight against Ebola. Awareness among citizens about the existence of the virus and how to prevent infection from it is low and therefore desperately needed. ACENYC Liberia is calling for extra financial support to help our awareness campaign and provide the needed items in towns, villages and the targeted 15 communities across Montserrado County, Liberia."

> More info from Shine Williams, Executive Director ACENYC: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

> Small amounts to help ACENYC's work can be easily donated online: acenyc.org