© UNICEF/UNI196033/Grile
UNICEF continues to stand by children
While the official end of Ebola transmissions is desperately welcome news, local communities are still feeling the effects of this outbreak.
“Ebola has been a terrifying experience for children,” said UNICEF's Manuel Fontaine. “We owe it to them and to all the people of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone to continue to support them as they recover from the devastating effects this disease has had on their lives,” he added.
UNICEF is ensuring that national authorities are able to provide children with a range of protection services including psychosocial support, interim care, and family tracing and reunification.
The need for ongoing vigiliance is also hugely important. UNICEF will continue to support awareness campaigns as well as rapid response teams that conduct active surveillance and early isolation, as well as provide basic services such as health, nutrition and water, hygiene and sanitation services.
With ongoing support and protection, children across West Africa will finally be able move on with their lives.