Plan is stepping up its humanitarian response in Sierra Leone,
due to a rapid increase of cholera cases in recent weeks. While
the cholera outbreak in Sierra Leone began in January, in recent
weeks it has intensified. 3,375 children across the country have
contracted the illness to date and at least 216 people have
died. President Ernest Bai Koroma has declared a national
emergency. As a member of the National Cholera Task Force, Plan
is working with the government and other leading agencies to
address the situation. "We are working to reduce the impact of
this devastating outbreak on children and their communities,"
says Plan's Disaster Advisor, Edward Sesay. "Currently we are
concentrating on promoting crucial hygiene messages in schools,
improving sanitation, and making sure people have access to safe
water." Over the coming weeks Plan will be providing over
300,000 people with access to safe water, disinfecting school
latrines and community wells, and raising awareness of good
hygiene and sanitation. We w