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The Church Responds to Ebola

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The United Methodist Church and its partners have been actively responding to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa since it began in Liberia. In May 2015, the outbreak was declared to be over in Liberia, though a small number of cases continue to be reported. According to the World Health Organization, the deadly virus has claimed more than 11,000 lives in Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria.

During the crisis, the church's effort involved treatment, prevention, communication and public education. West African United Methodist church leaders and regional health boards, denominational health facilities, missionaries, and the denomination's general agencies have all been part of this joint effort.

UMCOR and its partners are now working to address the long-term effects of the epidemic by strengthening the healthcare capacity in West Africa.

 
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