Report

The Sierra Leone - UK Diaspora Ebola Response Taskforce (SLUKDERT) Meeting

Date: 29 November 2014

Venue: Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, Exchange House, Primrose Street, London EC2A 2EG

CONTENTS

Foreword ................................................................................................................................................................ 5

Executive summary: ............................................................................................................................................... 6

Background to the meeting ................................................................................................................................... 7

Aims .................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Objectives: .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Desired outcomes ............................................................................................................................................... 7

Format .................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Presentations ....................................................................................................................................................... 10

Memuna Janneh of Lunchbox Gift .................................................................................................................... 10

Morris Marah of the SENSI project ................................................................................................................... 10

Theodora Hamilton of Women’s Response to Ebola in Sierra Leone (WRESL) ................................................ 11

Elizabeth Conteh of The Organisation Of Sierra Leonean Health Professionals Abroad (TOSHPA) ................. 12

The Hon. Jane Ellison, Minister for Public Health ............................................................................................. 13

Film: .................................................................................................................................................................. 13

Breakout sessions ................................................................................................................................................ 14

Survivor families and primary carers................................................................................................... 14

Treatment: ebola patients, people suspected of infection, non-ebola patients ................................ 14

Healthcare Workers: front-line medical staff, burial teams ............................................................... 14

Economic actors: Farmers, traders, the employed, the unemployed ................................................. 14

Children: orphans, school-aged children ............................................................................................ 14

Vulnerable groups: disabled, elderly, at-risk communities ................................................................. 14

Workshops: discussions and recommendations ................................................................................................. 16

Workshop 1: Survivor families, primary carers (with particular focus on women) ........................................... 17

Key Learnings: ............................................................................................................................................... 17

Key Challenges: ............................................................................................................................................. 17

Action Points and Next Steps:....................................................................................................................... 17

Workshop 2: Treatment: Ebola patients, people suspected of infection, non-ebola patients ......................... 19

Key Learning: ................................................................................................................................................ 19

Key Challenges: ............................................................................................................................................. 19

Action Points and Next Steps ........................................................................................................................ 19

Workshop 3: Health Care workers, Frontline Medical staff and Burial teams .................................................. 21

Key Challenges .............................................................................................................................................. 21

Learning opportunities ................................................................................................................................. 22

Summary of Recommendations and Action Points ...................................................................................... 22

Workshop 4: Economic actors: Farmers, traders, the employed, the unemployed .......................................... 25

Key learnings ................................................................................................................................................. 25

Key Challenges: ............................................................................................................................................. 25

Summary of Recommendations ................................................................................................................... 26

Workshop 5: Children: orphans, school-aged children ....................................................................................... 28

Key learnings ................................................................................................................................................. 28

Key Challenges .............................................................................................................................................. 28

Action Points ................................................................................................................................................. 29

Kaday Mansaray, a SLUKDERT member – on behalf of songlome .................................................................... 29

Workshop 6: Vulnerable groups: disabled, elderly, at-risk communities .......................................................... 31

Key learnings ................................................................................................................................................. 31

Key Challenges: ............................................................................................................................................. 31

Action Points: ................................................................................................................................................ 31

UK DIASPORA MAPPING – Ival Cummings-John ................................................................................................. 32

Freetown (Western Area) ............................................................................................................................. 32

North............................................................................................................................................................. 32

East ............................................................................................................................................................... 33

South ............................................................................................................................................................. 34

Across the country ........................................................................................................................................ 34

Table: Charities/Organisations working against Ebola ................................................................................. 35

Representation: UK Diaspora – geographic areas of support .............................................................................. 36

Map: areas with current health facilities in Sierra Leone: November 2014 ...................................................... 36

quotes from some attendees: ............................................................................................................................. 38

Special Thanks ...................................................................................................................................................... 38

More thanks ......................................................................................................................................................... 38

Event Management Team ............................................................................................................................ 38

Photos: All photos courtesy of Chukwu Emeka Chikezie (SLUKDERT member) ........................................... 39

About the Sierra Leone - UK Diaspora Ebola Response Taskforce (SLUKDERT) ................................................. 39

List of Registrants and Attendees ........................................................................................................................ 41

What now /where next? ...................................................................................................................................... 44

The ‘post-meeting’ landscape: ............................................................................................................................ 44

Collaboration between SLUKDERT and NOSLINA ............................................................................................. 44

SLUKDERT membership survey ......................................................................................................................... 44

References and resources: ........................................................................................................................... 45

FOREWORD

The outbreak of Ebola in Sierra Leone in early 2014 signalled an unwelcome raising of the country’s

profile. The outbreak caught the attention of the world and triggered an unprecedented outpouring of

offers to assist the country in dealing with the disease. A major aim of this meeting was to highlight and

build upon the many ways in which the worldwide Sierra Leone Diaspora responded and continues to

respond to the crisis.

There are many reasons why the Diaspora can bring a unique and vital element to the fight against

Ebola, including.

Having already-existing relationships with their country of origin or heritage – sending

remittances, supporting alma mater and various home-based NGOs and charities, among

many activities

Knowledge of the socio-economic landscape and holders of a ‘cultural memory’ of their home

country, not available to the non-Sierra Leonean

A desire to see and participate in the development of their home nation and acting as

advocates in various forums

Having a foot in two camps (many are dual citizens)

The broad range of attendees reflected the wide range of current interests as well as the wide range of

areas - both geographically and thematically - where Diaspora members wanted to assist and make a

difference. Many of the desired outcomes were aspirational and many applied not only to the Diaspora

but to the home government and other actors.

The Sierra Leone UK Diaspora Ebola Response Taskforce was set up to harness the best of UK Sierra

Leonean diaspora skills and resources to respond to the Ebola crisis. To this end, the Taskforce serves

as an interface between the main stakeholders addressing the Ebola crisis and the UK Sierra Leonean

diaspora; it helps to coordinate efforts undertaken by Sierra Leonean diaspora organizations and

individuals; and it undertakes specific assignments that are better done by the Taskforce than by

individual organizations, such as mobilization of diaspora healthcare and other professionals to assist

with the Ebola response, and harnessing of resources to shift a significant volume of essential medical

supplies to Sierra Leone.

The taskforce organised this meeting to foster links between UK-based Sierra Leone Diaspora

organisations as well as to facilitate dialogue, capture current initiatives and encourage the sharing of

best practice. It bears mentioning that the meeting was held at the time when the outbreak appeared to

be at a peak; as such, by the time this report was published (January 2015), it was clear that there

appeared to be an improvement in the situation in Sierra Leone. Nonetheless, as many of the

discussions addressed wider issues beyond Ebola, they deserve wider dissemination.

Ade Daramy

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The meeting captured the views of a wide range of groups and allowed organisations to learn about

and link up with those pursuing the same or similar aims.

The meeting was attended by many Sierra Leone Diaspora organisations and individuals working to

combat Ebola. This report captures most of the deliberations, decisions and instances of cooperation

arising from the meeting.

There appeared to be a genuine desire for this to be the first, not a ‘stand-alone’ event and there were

encouraging signs of genuine attempts for collaborative working.

Many of the discussions and initiatives indicated a willingness to play a part in assisting in the post-

Ebola situation to address many of the shortcomings in the socio-economic fabric exposed by the

outbreak.

It was clear that some important organisations (particularly the area/district descendants’ associations)

were noticeable by their absence. Steps will be made to reach out to them for any future events as they

have a significant role to play. The meeting was able to capture a lot of good contact details and there

were clear signs of organisations agreeing to work together in the future.

The taskforce recognized the constraints on a wholly volunteer organisation while committing to

continue to facilitate dialogue between organisations, link fundraising efforts and to collaborating with

other Diaspora organisations.

Among the priorities identified were:

Establishing a network of Sierra Leone Diaspora teachers to feed into and collaborate with

teachers and institutions in Sierra Leone. This included seeking links with distance learning

while the schools lockdown continues

The mapping exercise described in the report highlighted a desire for better coordination of

efforts between the Diaspora and home-based groups

For the taskforce to set up bespoke seminars/conferences around specific professions to look

at how they might contribute to the Ebola and post-Ebola efforts in the country

For the taskforce to take the lead in reaching out to Diaspora organisations outside the London

area

For the taskforce to continue with its ‘diaspora mapping’ exercise to understand who's doing

what, where (and who wants to do what, where) by reaching out to more Sierra Leonean

diaspora groups

For the taskforce to signpost individuals and groups to where there is most need

Provide vulnerable people in SL information on organisations that cater for their needs

BACKGROUND TO THE MEETING

According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 31 December 2014 Situation Report, there have been 20,206 reported cases of Ebola virus disease and 7,905 reported deaths across all the three worst-affected outbreak countries, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone accounts for 9,446 reported cases (47% of the three countries’ total). WHO notes that Ebola Virus Disease “transmission remains intense in Sierra Leone, with 337 confirmed cases reported in the week to 28 December, 2014 – more than double the number of cases in Guinea and Liberia combined” and is at its most intense in Sierra Leone’s western and northern districts. As Ebola continued to ravage Sierra Leone, it was clear that, in addition to international efforts to

combat the outbreak, there was a significant role and contribution the Sierra Leone Diaspora could

make. The Sierra Leone UK Diaspora Ebola Response Taskforce (SLUKDERT) which was formed in

response to the outbreak and includes a wide spectrum of Diaspora Sierra Leoneans organised this

meeting to facilitate cooperation between UK-based Diaspora organisations in responding to the crisis

and working with organisations on the ground. As such, it was good to see the widest possible

spectrum of actors represented at the meeting: NGOs, charities, alumni associations, legal, medical

and recruitment organisations, were among some of those present.

Implications for development were at the forefront of the discussions.

AIMS

a) To foster constructive dialogue and stronger coordination in the Diaspora response to the

Ebola crisis

b) To enhance our existing information sharing system relating to Ebola

OBJECTIVES:

a) An opportunity for attendees to share their response to the Ebola crisis

b) To highlight the key activities of the taskforce and its specific operational projects – i.e. the HR

roadshow and the shipment of 10 containers

c) For workshops to be action oriented – participants were asked to look at practical inexpensive

and simple steps that can be immediately implemented to enhance their response to the Ebola

crisis

d) To provide a networking opportunity and to share best practice

DESIRED OUTCOMES

a) Greater understanding of clusters around which Sierra Leonean diasporas in the UK are

responding to Ebola crisis

b) At least six areas of discussions, wherein attendees would commit to collaborate around

common interest to implement initiatives, share learning, etc.

c) Unity and sense of common purpose is in evidence

In setting the scene, attendees were encouraged to look at how they could contribute by addressing

three main aspects of the Diaspora’s reaction: (1) challenges they face as individuals or members of

organisations, (2) lessons learned from those challenges and (3) how they could contribute, particularly

by collaborating with fellow Sierra Leoneans or friends of Sierra Leone with shared interests.

FORMAT

There were presentations from invited speakers followed by a series of breakout sessions around

specific themes.

Rebecca Perlman welcomed us on behalf of our hosts, Herbert Smith Freehills, followed by a short

introduction by current SLUKDERT chairman, Ade Daramy.

Ade Daramy spoke of some of the Sierra Leone Diaspora responses thus far to the Ebola crisis,

including fundraising by individuals and organisations; why SLUKDERT was formed and what its aims

are/ the division of SLUKDERT’S efforts into five ‘pillars’ (Human Resources / Education / Equipment &

Supplies / Fundraising / Communications - and why this was done). As well as raising funds, he went

on to say that SLUKDERT members have been involved in national healthcare workers recruitment in

tandem with UKMed, the port-side loading for shipping supplies to Sierra Leone, in conjunction with our

Deputy High Commissioner, Tamba Mansa Ngegba and some of the mission staff, and taking part in

various conferences (chairing, as panel or audience members) and seminars on Ebola across the UK.

SLUKDERT was a signatory to UKSLHP's open letter to Justine Greening, Secretary of State for

International Development, calling on the British Government, to, amongst other things overturn its

decision to revoke the direct flights licence of Gambia Bird airline. In addition, members have

contributed to radio and TV broadcasts about Ebola, to give the Diaspora voice, written articles for

websites, magazines and newspapers.

Mention was made of SLUKDERT’s fundraising and collaboration with American organisation, the

National Organisation of Sierra Leoneans in North America (NOSLINA) to send medical supplies and

equipment, utilising the ‘air bridge’ (a method established to send by air rather than sea, much needed

supplies to Sierra Leone from America). One such shipment was due in January 2015 and was

expected to be the first of many. Ade also mentioned that the current outbreak had implications for both

the economic development of the nation and wider infrastructural issues.

We were joined by His Excellency the High Commissioner, Eddie Turay (pictured below)

The High Commissioner commended the initiative and reminded all that the idea for a Diaspora

Taskforce had first been proposed at a meeting organised by the High Commission.

As well as asking attendees to focus their deliberations around the three themes (challenges, lessons,

collaborations), they were encouraged to seek opportunities for greater understanding and linking of

clusters around which the Sierra Leonean Diaspora could respond to the Ebola crisis, thereby building

networks of related organisations;

Panellists were asked to talk not only about the work they were doing but also any challenges they

faced and how they were able to overcome them.

PRESENTATIONS

MEMUNA JANNEH OF LUNCHBOX GIFT

A Sierra Leonean living in the U.K., she founded Lunchbox Gift in response to the Ebola outbreak. Her

organization delivers fresh, nutritious meals to Ebola treatment centers, health workers, and patients in

Freetown.

Memunah: “We initially provided 2,600 hot meals to vulnerable communities in Freetown during the

Ebola lockdown in September, and later rolled out a new scheme to supply balanced meals to patients

and health workers at treatment centers in Freetown. It aims to provide 50,000 meals in total.

Recovered Ebola patients and health workers have found that eating nutritious meals is key to building

enough strength to fight the disease. Lunchbox Gift provides freshly cooked meals to communities in

crisis.

“We are currently providing nutritious meals to Ebola treatment centers in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Our

meals help to aid recovery and provide sustenance for nurses, doctors, and other front-line staff battling

to take control of the Ebola epidemic.”

Visit: http://www.lunchboxgift.com/

MORRIS MARAH OF THE SENSI PROJECT

An ICT for Development (ICT4D) specialist, recently returned from Sierra Leone, gave an impassioned

account of what he saw on the Frontline in Port Loko District. He spoke about the SENSI project, which

he initiated with a group of doctors and ICT4D (ICT FOR Development) ‘techies’ to support efforts to

combat the Ebola crisis in West Africa. The group members include The London School of Hygiene and

Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) Ebola Response Taskforce, Sierra Leone High Commission, EpiAfric,

Konektaz, the Sierra Leone Diaspora Taskforce and Crown Agents. SENSI’s core aims are to establish

mechanisms to distribute accurate and culturally appropriate information about the Ebola virus disease

in Sierra Leone (SL), with a view that the project may be extended to other countries efficiently should

the disease spread and to identify, collate and challenge misinformation (myths and conspiracies)

which is hampering humanitarian efforts, creating suspicion and increasing the spread of the disease.

THEODORA HAMILTON OF WOMEN’S RESPONSE TO EBOLA IN SIERRA LEONE (WRESL)

Theodora told the meeting about the initiative, which was launched in July 2014 by a coalition of

individuals and women’s groups including the Women’s Forum, the 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone,

MARWOPNET, L.A.W.Y.E.R.S, SLPP Women’s Wing, Sky Women’s World Network, CGG, The

Sierra Leone Market Women’s Association, Devil Hole Women’s Group, Partners Women’s

Commission, AMNET, Christian Aid, NCOMWO and Community Response to Ebola, to contribute to

and complement government’s efforts to fight against EVD.

The Campaign has undertaken the following initiatives, among many:

- Contributed to review and finalise UNICEF & MOHS Training of Trainers Manual on

Community Sensitisation on Ebola

- Supported the operations of the MOHS Ebola Information Line & Free Call Centre (117)

o by educating the public about Call 117,

o providing a Ramadan Holiday donation to appreciate the professional staff of the Call

117 Centre;

o and by recruiting and training member volunteers in the prevention of EVD, public

hygiene & hand washing as well as operation of the free Call 117 Ebola Information

line.

- Promoted the establishment and operation of a Special Needs Sub Committee of the National

Taskforce as well as active participation in the Social Mobilisation Sub Committee of the

National Taskforce on EVD.

- Fundraised for, procured and installed Hand Washing Facilities in 6 market locations; Butchers’

Association (Meat Market), Salad /vegetable market (Magazine Cut), Kola nut Area (Magazine

Cut) and Russia Market (Raw Fish) and Kallay Field Market in the Western Area.

- Established and operated a Drop by Collection and Storage Centre at 50/50 office at Tower Hill

in Freetown for public donations of materials to be used in the fight against Ebola.

- Commenced regular prayer sessions observed simultaneously by Muslim and Christian women

in Sierra Leone and abroad under the theme: ‘No Distance in Prayer for Healing, Reconciliation

and Unity against EVD’.

WRESL Campaign can be reached at 50/50 Headquarters, Rokel Street, Tower Hill, Freetown.

Please contact Maseray Koroma on +232-79-318-749 to find out how you can support the Campaign.

ELIZABETH CONTEH OF THE ORGANISATION OF SIERRA LEONEAN HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

ABROAD (TOSHPA)

As current Chair of the premier organisation representing Sierra Leonean, Elizabeth explained how

the reasons for the organisation’s founding (to contribute to Sierra Leone’s healthcare by forming links

and working with government and NGOs) was very relevant in the current crisis. She explained that,

to this end, TOSHPA members within SLUKDERT had not only worked with the Department for

International Development (DFID) and UK-Med in the recruitment of healthcare professionals during

this crisis but had also played a pivotal role in the cultural sensitivity training for those due to go to

Sierra Leone. In addition, some members of TOSHPA were due to or had already been deployed to

Sierra Leone.

Elizabeth finished with a plea to those healthcare professionals not already members of TOSHPA to

consider joining to better harness their efforts for now and the future.

THE HON. JANE ELLISON, MINISTER FOR PUBL IC HEALTH

The minister mentioned the close ties between Great Britain and Sierra Leone and the leading role the

British Government has taken in tackling the outbreak in Sierra Leone. She mentioned the £125m

pledged by her government, the role the British forces are playing including the building of healthcare

facilities (including one at Kerrytown), the presence of the ship Argus and that the Chief Medical Officer

had written to National Health Service staff encouraging them to volunteer for up to 6 weeks.

FILM:

There was a short film on Ebola by 11-year old Alusine Conteh which was played on a loop throughout

the meeting.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Workshops were divided into six areas:

SURVIVOR FAMILIES AND PRIMARY CARERS

TREATMENT: EBOLA PATIENTS, PEOPLE SUSPECTED OF INFECTION, NON-EBOLA

PATIENTS

HEALTHCARE WORKERS: FRONT-LINE MEDICAL STAFF, BURIAL TEAMS

ECONOMIC ACTORS: FARMERS, TRADERS, THE E MPLOYED, THE UNEMPLOYED

CHILDREN: ORPHANS, SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

VULNERABLE GROUPS: DISABLED, ELDERLY, AT-RISK COMMUNITIES

Attendees were asked to choose a preferred workshop, based on where they wished to contribute or an

area of particular interest.

Facilitators were given clear instructions as to how they should stimulate discussions and encourage all

to participate – we worked on the assumption that all in attendance either had something to say,

something to learn or both.

At the end of the session, each team nominated the facilitator or other group member to report back to

the whole meeting.

In reporting back, each group presented the solution(s) their group had come up with for future

collaborative working.

A physical map of Sierra Leone was used to identify areas where organisations have already directed

their resources as well as where more help is needed in order to devise strategies for improving,

coordinating, sharing and reporting on our responses – attendees were encouraged to stick post-it

notes on the geographical area, together with their intended intervention/action. In this way, likeminded

individuals and organisations could identify and establish links.

WORKSHOPS: DISCUSSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The workshops provided an opportunity for delegates to share best practice and learning. Each

workshop focused on key challenges and recommendations were made regarding which strategies

could be made in both the immediate and long term.

Attendees contributed greatly (and intelligently) to both the post-panel Q&A and the six breakout

sessions, which discussed and encouraged dialogue and partnerships within the Diaspora and between

Diaspora and non-Diaspora actors around the following topics.

From going around the room, it was evident that, as was to be expected discussions were animated,

intelligent and passionate. All the facilitators did a great job in ensuring the participants always returned

to the topic at hand and they are to be commended for their sterling efforts in this regard.

Some key recommendations and actions from the workshops included:

Psychological education of communities about stigmatisation of survivors of Ebola through targeted multimedia outlets such as radio, posters, billboards and comic strips

To work out a national and possibly international policy on caring for Ebola orphans

Create Ebola survivors’ network groups at community level and across the country

Proper segregation to ensure EVD and Non-EVD patients are not mixed up

Education is essential to ensure the right and timely information is accessible to the people that need it

Extend insurance and treatment support to non-frontline medical training staff

Need for an interactive digital map mirroring the information on the static map provided by

SLUKDERT for monitoring current organizations in the regions

Diaspora finance: there is scope to creating an online funding platform e.g. crowd funding,

where investors could be matched with investment.

WORKSHOP 1: SURVIVOR FAMILIES, PRIMARY CARERS (WITH PARTICULAR FOCUS ON

WOMEN)

Facilitator: Ival Cummings-John

This workshop looked at the stigmatisation of Ebola survivors and how to re-integrate them into society

in the future (there were examples of survivors being evicted from their homes). It also focused on

culturally sensitive methods to prevent this stigmatisation

KEY LEARNINGS:

Lessons learnt from reintegration and reuniting ex-combatant of the civil war in Sierra Leone

could be used for reunification of Ebola survivors with their families in their communities.

For there to be a focus on empowering women as they tend to have a stronger community

influence.

Charity organisations and other voluntary groups should work collaboratively to maximise

support for survivors and their families.

KEY CHALLENGES:

Community accepting to live side by side with Ebola survivors.

Over-coming stigma for survivors in their communities by empowering survivors to tell their

stories. Their accounts of resilience and survival can inspire hundreds of others, address

misconceptions and help fight stigma.

Bringing survivors, families and primary carers together and coordinating the survivors’ group

was agreed to a big challenge due to stigmatisation from the society.

Providing homes for the Ebola survivors, families and carers for Ebola orphaned children.

ACTION POINTS AND NEXT STEPS:

Psycho-education of communities about stigmatisation of survivors of Ebola through targeted

multimedia outlets such as radio, posters, billboards and comic strips.

Reintegration of Ebola survivors in their community with their families.

Community outreach work on self-confidence building of survivors.

For survivors to share their stories and perspectives with the world.

Create Ebola survivors’ network groups at community level and across the country.

WORKSHOP 2: TREATMENT: EBOLA PATIENTS, PEOPLE SUSPECTED OF INFECTION,

NON-EBOLA PATIENTS

Facilitator: Elizabeth Conteh

KEY LEARNING:

The workshop did not particularly highlight key learning about Ebola and non-Ebola patients because

delegates were at different stages of their engagement with the Ebola crisis. Nonetheless, it captured

some worthwhile discussions and suggestions.

KEY CHALLENGES:

Inadequate Ebola treatment centres across the country with areas such Port Loko reporting

high number of Ebola recently. Some of the existing treatment centres lack adequate safety

standards and systems.

Inadequate incentives for local volunteers with many of them working without any payment.

This is having a negative impact on trust and relationship between the workers and the

authorities.

Lack of adequate information for victims’ families – in some cases it is unknown whether

someone had actually died of the EVD.

Inadequate capacity across the country, exacerbated by poor co-ordination.

Backlog at existing specimens testing laboratories eventually causing delays in providing test

results.

Lack of data for healthcare workers, except doctors, who have died from the EVD.

Diaspora connecting efforts on the ground to enhance direct response where it is needed.

ACTION POINTS AND NEXT STEPS

Neighbourhood watch to be established

Sensitivity to the burial process particularly for families of those who have died

Proper segregation to ensure EVD and Non-EVD patients are not mixed up

Education is essential to ensure the right and timely information is accessible to the people that

needs it

Fundraising for relevant projects for now and post Ebola Incentives for the burial team including

salaries of those on the front line to be paid on time. Diaspora funds and equipment to go to the

right place at the right time.

WORKSHOP 3: HEALTH CARE WORKERS, FRONTLINE MEDICAL STAFF AND BURIAL

TEAMS

Facilitator: Isabella Lisk

KEY CHALLENGES

Accountability for the distribution of donated funds was a common issue brought up by all

workshop attendees.

o They identified a lack of formal control systems in place, and often monies and

equipment sent were distributed in an ad hoc way with no satisfactory or formal

accounts given of the disbursements. This led to a feeling of mistrust both for donors

and recipients, and although this was a problem across the board for all groups, it

affected the healthcare workers particularly hard, as they were dis-incentivised, having

already made sacrifices by putting themselves and families at highest risk working on

the frontline

Proper distribution of PPE equipment to all healthcare workers in public and private sectors.

o Many private operatives and non-frontline staff were not being provided with PPE’s,

with the concentration of distribution aimed mainly at the treatment centre staff, when

other sectors of healthcare workers, whether private or in other care centres also

needed a level of protection as they also came in contact with the public

The current health system was overwhelmed, which left health workers unsupported, highly

exposed to risk and unable to treat pre-Ebola conditions.

o There was an unexplained high incidence of infection and deaths amongst local staff

which concerned all attendees. This was put down to the long shifts being worked by

local staff and the different standards of training and tolerance level to exposure from

expat staff.

There was a need for proper training for using equipment and PPE’s to combat the high

mortality rate amongst the local healthcare workers.

o Some groups like KDDA had sent supplies and equipment in the earlier stages of the

outbreak, but did not have established distribution routes; staff also needed training on

how to use the equipment.

A lack of adequate number of trained staff and the need to recruit from other sources – e.g. the

military to support such services such as burials.

Lack of access up to date information at the Sierra Leone High Commission in London, which

was regarded as the natural central point of call for many of the support groups represented at

the table was highlighted by several attendees.

There was a lack of targeted funding for a training budget.

No insurance or evacuation plan was available for non-frontline medical training staff.

New treatments like Ozone Therapy were not properly trialled or rolled out to healthcare

workers who are seen as a priority group for receiving any new treatment.

Conspiracy theory was still rife in the face of a lack of answers concerning the outbreak and its

spread, for staff and their patients.

o Led to mistrust and lack of co-operation from staff who could not adequately assess

the risk to themselves and patients.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Using existing and local knowledge in villages and existing community leaders to form local

partnerships and ensure co-operation.

o Assistance with speed and cutting through red tape

Talking to elders and village chiefs to assist with information distribution.

Using established and trusted communication links for disseminating information.

Use of existing resources e.g. the recruitment map put together by the National Ebola

Recruitment Drive to identify which organisations were on the ground.

Using the Liberian model of digital training to roll out to frontline healthcare workers in Sierra

Leone and radio infomercials,

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTION POINTS

Area Recommendations Potential Partnership

Opportunities

Training Raise awareness of sanitation and hygiene issues

via radio and face to face training of staff via ; pay

particular attention to the slum areas of the city

Sponsor purchase of computer tablets to aid

training, via scenarios built into computer programs

Interpreters required

to translate broadcast

into local dialects, and

record voiceovers for

existing programs buy

Masanga Mentor NGO

Potential partnership

with Ken Bolshaw of

Praxis, a source for

good quality electronic

goods from China at a

reasonable price

PPE’s Identify the employers and local health centres and

groups for efficient distribution of PPE’s to all sector

of frontline healthcare workers

Roll out digital video game app to healthcare staff –

based on a pyramid of levels to complete, and

simulates the steps needed to correctly wear and

remove PPE’s.

Develop a gold standard of training based on the

WHO model

Customise the PPE digital training programme for

the following unique groups

Local

Volunteer

Expat groups

Suggested Via

TOSHPA

Masanga Mentor NGO

are already in the

process of developing

the training software

and are looking for

training staff and

funding

Burial teams Getting the military to assist the burial teams who

are greatly stretched and routinely strike for pay; to

get involved with burying the dead and building new

centres.

Lobby SL Government

Information

Centre/Portal

Need for up-to-date information on the current

organizations in Sierra Leone

Need for an interactive digital map mirroring the

information on the static map provided by

SLUKDERT for monitoring current organizations in

the regions

Up to date information portal consolidating Ebola

related news , progress reports and initiatives

Improve literacy rates and means of communication

among healthcare workers via radio programs.

SLUKDERT via event

report

End Ebola Now, NGO

to make links available

to their digital maps

Via CEDRIC

Via the SLUKDERT

Reports

Recruitment Roll out of National Ebola Response Recruitment

Drive

Going to communities and offering WHO training

Use of established communications links

National Ebola

Response

Recruitment drive

being run by End

Ebola Now.

General

Support

Continue to provide vital assistance via cooked food

delivery to Healthcare workers and Ebola affected

families.

Extend insurance and treatment support to non-

frontline medical training staff

Lunchbox

Information is required

from existing

organisations such as

TOSHPA and UKMed

to explore the

possibility of

negotiating similar

concession to this

group of healthcare

workers

WORKSHOP 4: ECONOMIC ACTORS: FARMERS, TRADERS, THE EMPLOYED, THE

UNEMPLOYED

Facilitator: Georgina Awoonor-Gordon

KEY LEARNINGS

The session highlighted that people were at different stages of their engagement with the EVD crisis. It

was accepted that learning would be on-going and that this was area to be revisited in the future to

capture these matters in different ways and in greater depth.

KEY CHALLENGES:

Access is difficult to and within quarantined communities

Impact on tourism and other sectors is immense

Weak legal structures (contracts, procurement processes, ease of doing business) further

exacerbate an already fragile situation

Agriculture needs special focus as it affects food security as well as incomes. It was stressed

that the Diaspora could play a key role in supporting regrowth of agriculture

Communication:

o What is the role of the Diaspora in raising awareness about EVD?

o How can Diaspora access pertinent information on the crisis and how best can they

contribute?

Livelihoods: how can we support access to livelihood opportunities for young people, especially

for Ebola orphans?

How do we nurture young leadership by providing mentoring, coaching or some level of

psychosocial support?

Post-Ebola: most of the above relate to both emergency and long-term approaches. However,

more specific post-Ebola questions posed were:

o How do we address infrastructural challenges?

o How do we strengthen weak institutional structures: procurement and issuance of

contracts?

o How do we maintain the integrity of partnerships? How do we make room for law in the

reconstruction sector?

We need to prepare a framework for a thriving economy

This workshop divided the areas into Enterprise development and Systems and Structures. There is

scope for taking these conversations further. The suggestion has already been made to have more

focused / thematic working groups which could carry these recommendations forward. The group

advised against reinventing the wheel so any further work will need to start with a mapping of the sector

/ environment to avoid duplication. Another over-arching point made was the need to take a pan-African

/ regional approach to some of these recommendations.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

Area Recommendations Potential Lead Orgs / Individuals

(N.B: that these names only reflect

workshop participants)

Enterprise Development Job creation

Utilise workforce on the ground by training

survivors and increasing income

opportunities by creating employment in

Ebola Treatment Centres for example (Risk

will have to be appropriately managed)

Lunch Box

Aid Solutions (young people)

Agriculture

Supporting agri-business

Jacqueline Gooding Perrett

MSMEs

Vital and transferable skills being

nurtured now can be built upon across

various sectors in the post-Ebola

recovery

Building capacity of our youth via

leadership programmes (mentoring,

coaching)

Sweissy Union

AFFORD

Soul of Africa Leadership

Communication

Using a multi-pronged approach to rebrand

SL as (re) open for business

Network Salone

Systems and Structures Legal Structures

To rebuild the country’s economy requires

robust Governance, Legal and Financial

institutions, processes and policies. This

requires:

Strengthening systems and processes

to enable greater transparency and

corporate legal protection.

It is important for there to be the

appropriate political will to further these

aims and to use a bottom ↔ top

Lawyers: Rebecca Perlman, ,

Eldred Taylor-Camara,

Yasmin Jusu- Sherriff)

Finance: what role can

SLUKDERT play in facilitating

Diaspora finance?

approach to ensure any changes are

rooted at all levels.

There have already been steps in the

right direction e.g. a newly established

Legal partnership between SLG and a

British legal firm which is currently

working to addressing the above.

Labour laws are currently being

reviewed to address barriers to

investment and economic growth.

There is still a lot to do e.g.

Land Rights need to be reviewed and

awareness raised at community level.

This is vital especially when addressing

food security and agri-business

Local Content policy needs to be

reviewed and implemented.

Enabling environment – there needs to

be better coordination and

transparency between the public,

private and third (NGOs) sector.

Infrastructure needs to be supported for

any other investment to be sustainable:

electricity, water, housing

Diaspora finance: there is scope to

creating an online funding platform e.g.

crowd funding, where investors could

be matched with investment

WORKSHOP 5: CHILDREN: ORPHANS, SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

Facilitator: Amifa Kebe-Kamara

KEY LEARNINGS

The session did not particularly highlight key learning about education of children because there is

scope to take the conversation forward with a possibility of a more focused workshop in this area.

However, the session managed to address the major areas of concern.

KEY CHALLENGES

Teachers’ salary arrears

Lack of transportation for school children

Access to learning for children in very remote rural areas – chiefs are key contacts

How to implement solutions without the risk of spreading Ebola

Learning resources for radio including the need to circulate appropriate hand-outs and leaflets.

ACTION POINTS

Teachers’ Association to be setup

Innovative ways of delivering interactive educational programmes including the use of tablets,

podcasts and video clips and WhatsApp

Improve access to library resources include through mobile library

Donations of books and radios to include main Towns and rural areas difficult to reach

Organise private classes

Rollout leadership programmes

Promote existing networks/organisations including the BBC that promote or deliver a broad

range of learning resources

Expand access to learning through distance learning opportunities

KADAY MANSARAY, A SLUKDERT MEMBER – ON BEHALF OF SONGLOME

Kaday spoke about the challenges facing the education system and highlighted this inistiative as one

solution to addressing the education needs of children confined to their homes.

Schools in Sierra Leone were closed in June 2014 and remained so at the time of this meeting. Kaday

Mansaray explained about Sondiata Global Media’s aim of distributing at least 5,000 educational

tablets to school-going children using the ZEduPad.

Why Educational Tablets?

Ability to continue learning during the crisis

Tried and tested with positive results

Has worked in countries similar to Sierra Leone

Tablets will benefit users (and their families) after the crisis

We live in a Global Village – how long will we allow the children of Sierra Leone to be left

behind?

We have all experienced the benefits of technology – how long will we allow the children of

Sierra Leone to be left behind?

It has been successfully in:

Zambia; Nigeria; Ivory Coast; South Africa

Sondiata are seeking partners to be able to deliver this initiative.

Call Khadi Mansaray (Kaday): 07938627817 or Email: info@songlome.com

WORKSHOP 6: VULNERABLE GROUPS: DISABLED, ELDERLY, AT-RISK COMMUNITIES

Facilitator: Yasmin Jusu – Sheriff

KEY LEARNINGS

The workshop reported that key learnings about vulnerable groups were yet to be discerned due to the

challenges of getting relevant information in this area. However, discussants agreed that there were

signs of improvement as more agencies pooled or shared their data from their various areas of interest

or intervention.

KEY CHALLENGES:

Lack of information on; Who, What, Where and needs of vulnerable people across Sierra

Leone

Lack of effective links between diaspora and local Sierra Leonean organisations.

Hunger, health and logistical needs not being met.

Sierra Leonean organisations lack the capacity to ‘outreach’ to the diaspora

Distrust of in-country mechanism

TOSHPA lacks presence across the UK

ACTION POINTS:

SLUKDERT to provide a platform to bring together Sierra Leone based organisations and

Diaspora organisations

Scan the Diaspora for resources and expertise

TOSHPA to reach out geographically to get experts from the healthcare profession

Advocacy to highlight issues of detention; custody over-crowding and hygiene

Access to legal system and court issues

Provide vulnerable people in SL information on organisations that cater for their needs.

UK DIASPORA MAPPING – IVAL CUMMINGS-JOHN

The UK Diaspora are making great efforts across Sierra Leone in the fight against Ebola. Many of the

organisations that are doing their bit to help are organisations that have been established for many

years. As a result of the Ebola some have had to change the way in which they operate, focusing more

on Ebola and less on their usual projects.

Organisations were asked to bring information about the work they are doing in Sierra Leone and place

them on a map to give participants an understanding of where the support and where it was lacking.

This report outlines what the different the organisations said they were doing and highlight where the

gaps are. We recognize that there are many other Diaspora projects taking place in Sierra Leone that

we are not aware of and that this is not an exhaustive list and does not undermine the works of others.

FREETOWN (WESTERN AREA)

Lunch box in partnership with two NGOs based in Sierra Leone (Campaign for Good Governance

and YACAN), and with the permission of the Government of Sierra Leone, provided 2,600 hot

meals to seven vulnerable communities in the capital city, Freetown. (http://www.lunchboxgift.com)

SLEA Awards is contributing free transportation for shipping to Sierra Leone. The organisation has

said that they will be sending a shipment of 50% food, 30% medical and clean product and 20%

clothes. (http://www.sierraleoneexcellenceawards.org )

SoA (Soul of Africa) Leadership continues to offer leadership training for young people, as well as

establishing library facilities. They have been conducting surveys to find out what the needs of young

people during this time of Ebola and post Ebola.

NORTH

A - Scholars International Movement is supporting education in Gbinti village, raising funds ready to

support the children in school as soon as they are allowed to return back to school.

http://www.ascholars.co.uk

Better Lives foundation is working directly in Yonibana Sai Hospital.

(http://www.betterlivesfoundation.org)

Help Madina are broadcasting public health messages as well as education through the radio in the

Madina District. Help Madina has also taken on the responsibility for neighbourhood watch, health and

water sanitation in this area.

http://www.helpmadina.org.uk/

Kabia Descendants Association is supporting Ebola survivors with food packages. They have gifted

survivors with 25kg bags of rice and Le20, 000 per survivor.

Kamagjengbeh Primary School, Biriwa Chiefdom, Bombali District, is receiving supporting with

stationary/items ready for when the children are allowed to return back to school.

MARWOPNET a sub-regional peace building women’s network established Radio MARWOPNET FM

88.4, it is currently focusing on broadcasting public health messages as well as broadcasting EDUCAID

empowerment by radio tutorials for school children in Gbalamuya, Kambia district.

(http://mysierraleoneonline.com/sl_portal/site/news/detail/2394)

Masanga/SLAA – Masanga Hospital (Tonkilli District) Masanga Mentor training initiative is to stop the

spread of Ebola by teaching communities throughout West Africa to handle the virus safely. They aim

to facilitate Ebola safety training for 450,000 Community Health Volunteers in 15 countries across West

Africa.

http://masangahospital.org/

Sierra Leoneans (UK) United Against Ebola have taken on the task of raising funds for medical

teams through various fund raising activities in the UK including sponsored silences and sponsored

walks.

EAST

Kids in Kailahun – An organization working in the Kailahun area with orphans since 2009. Now

responsible for all new Ebola Orphans in one of the areas of Luawa Chiefdom. They have erected

“Tippy Taps” and are educating the children in relation to hygiene and hand washing as a preventative

measure.

(http://www.kidsinkailahun.org )

KDDA UK have set up an EBOLA UK EMERGENCY FUND (KEEF). KDDA UK has been working with

the Kono District Council and the Ebola Task force committee in Kono in protecting clinical staff and

spreading the message about precautions to the grassroots. They have sent its personal protective

wear, boxes of chlorine powder and antimicrobial hand gels to 14 chiefdoms in the Kono District,

Eastern Sierra Leone.

Salia Jusu- Sheriff Foundation – Support to Radio MOA to share public health messages and collect

stories; Food distribution to vulnerable elderly; Support to WRESL with Ebola sanitization in 11

Chiefdoms in the Kenema District.

SCCAN – Awareness, information, outreach, screen, social activities

(http://sccan.org.uk )

YSSOSTFA – Raising standards of the school, Teacher training, library project, Science Lab Project

SOUTH

SoA (Soul of Africa) Leadership – leadership training for young people, library facilities, thinking

about scholarships

ACROSS THE COUNTRY

SLWT is a charity that works through partnerships to promote education, health, rehabilitation and self-

sufficiency of children and youth in Sierra Leone through advocacy and the provision of financial and

technical support, had distributed 875 raincoats to “Okada” riders as at 10th September 2014, SLWT

had; of which 750 of these were distributed in Freetown. Furthermore by the 6th October 2014 they had

supplied 165 of its targeted 600 hand washing stations. 125 of the hand washing stations have been

distributed through the Freetown City Council to poor and deprived communities around Freetown, with

a further 40 hand washing stations distributed through the National Council of Paramount Chiefs to two

needy chiefdoms in Moyamba District (Ribbi and Timdale) and to parts of Port Loko District.

(http://www.slwt.org)

WRESL (Women’s Response to Ebola Sierra Leone), a coalition of women’s organisations

established to tackle the outbreak, which is helping to educate women about the disease and providing

hand washing facilities with soap, water, drums and accessing water supply to all the 42 markets in

Freetown, then furthered their support to Bo, Bombali, Port Loko, Kenema.

TOSHPA is capacity building healthcare workers across Sierra Leone, providing equipment for

government hospitals, nurses and medical institutions. (http://www.toshpa.org.uk)

EBOLA SENSI project is involved in Community Engagement, Capacity Building and Survivor Support

across Sierra Leone.

It is clear that a lot of work is taking place across Sierra Leone, covering different aspects of Ebola. The

North seems to have received the most help from the Diaspora so far, with the South receiving the

least. The spread of Ebola is constantly evolving week in and week out, so it becomes difficult to keep a

track of where the most help is needed. This information needs to come direct from Sierra Leone. There

has been a considerable amount of funds raised to send out equipment and medical supplies. It is also

clear that charities are already beginning to recognize the Ebola survivors and orphans and are working

their best to support them.

TABLE: CHARITIES/ORGANISATIONS WORKING AGAINST EBOLA

Area Support

Western Area

SoA

SLEA

Lunchbox

PPE Equipment

Water Sanitation

Rain coats for Okada Riders

Medical supplies

Food supplies

North

Sierra Leone UK united against Ebola

Masanga

Kamgjenbeh

KDA

Medical Supplies

Support for orphans and children

Education support

Supporting specific hospitals

Radio broadcasting – Public Health,

Education

Water Sanitation

East

KDDA

Kids in Kailahun

SCCAN

YSSOSTFA

Salia Foundation

Education

Community outreach

Support for Orphans

Radio Broadcasting – Public Health

Food supplies

South

SoA

Education

Whole Country

TOSPHA

SLWT

WRESL

Food supplies

Sanitation

Capacity building of healthcare workers

Community Engagement

Capacity Building

Survivor Support

Medical equipment

DIAGRAM - REPRESENTATION: UK DIASPORA – GEOGRAPHIC AREAS OF SUPPORT

The map below shows areas in Sierra Leone where health centres of various sizes and capabilities had

been established as at the date of the meeting

MAP: AREAS WITH CURRENT HEALTH FACILITIES IN SIERRA LEONE: NOVEMBER 2014

The Above map is from Healthsites, a global mapping site:

About Healthsites

The Global Healthsites Mapping Project is an initiative to create an online map of every health facility in

the world. The framework has been built for capturing, publishing and sharing critical health facility

related data and to help make these facilities more accessible and relevant to the communities they

serve. In the future we plan to support additional domains where it is helpful in humanitarian work.

The map will record the contact details, location and resources available at every hospital, health post

and rural healthcare clinic. No such healthsite data currently exists. We are making the data freely

available to anyone via the Internet.

By simply clicking on the map users can drill in to learn what healthcare facilities exist at any global

location and find out what resources exist at any individual healthcare facility.

The Healthsites Map will be of great value to members of the public, to health ministries and healthcare

providers, and will be invaluable to first responders in emergency relief, disease epidemic and crisis

situations. http://healthsites.io/

QUOTES FROM SOME ATTENDEES:

○ “I feel a new and real sense of purpose in working with others around defeating Ebola”

○ “’I’m really glad I came as I would not have known otherwise that there are so many

others working in this area”

○ “It was great to hear about the common challenges others are facing and I now know

that I’m not alone.

○ I’ve made some great contacts and some friends today”.

○ “I loved the fact that we were asked to focus on how we could tackle the challenges

and not just whinge about the difficulties we are facing”

○ “When is the next one of these?”

SPECIAL THANKS

We say a huge vote of thanks to our hosts for the day, Herbert Smith Freehills who provided

us with a venue, refreshments and availed us of the services of a significant number of their

staff on a weekend. About Herbert Smith Freehills (from their website:

http://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/ )

Members of the firm also belong to Sierra Leone’s Pro Bono Network.

A very special mention has to go to Rebecca Perlman of Herbert Smith Freehills, without whom,

much of this would not have been possible.

MORE THANKS

EVENT MANAGEMENT TEAM

Chukwu-Emeka Chikezie, Ival Cummings-John, Ade Daramy, Unisa Dizo-Conteh, Amifa Kebe-

Kamara, Isabella Lisk, Rugiatu Wurie, Gina Awoonor-Gordon, Achmed Kamara and Sahr

Fasuluku, all of whom worked tirelessly and dedicatedly in the planning and delivery of the

event.

Victoria Stephens (above) of the Insolvency Service, not a SLUKDERT member, who

volunteered her services for check-in duties on the day.

Following the meeting, Victoria organised a successful fundraising night at the famous Ritzy

cinema in the heart of Brixton, South London

PHOTOS: ALL PHOTOS COURTESY AND COPYRIGHT © OF CHUKWU EMEKA CHIKEZIE (SLUKDERT

MEMBER)

ABOUT THE SIERRA LEONE - UK DIASPORA EBOLA RESPONSE TASKFORCE (SLUKDERT)

The Sierra Leone UK Diaspora Ebola Response Taskforce (SLUKDERT) is a strategic partner of

diaspora organisations and individuals with the aim of raising awareness, engaging with and motivating

our community to respond effectively to the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone. SLUKDERT acts as an

interface between the main stakeholders, including appropriate UK government ministries addressing

the Ebola crisis and the UK-based Sierra Leonean Diaspora. The latter include alumni associations,

descendants’ associations, charities, representatives from mosques, churches, NGOs and more. We

are passionate about coordinating efforts undertaken by Sierra Leonean Diaspora organisations and

individuals in the fight against Ebola.

Where there are gaps in Diaspora efforts, we undertake specific assignments which have included on-

going recruitment of healthcare professionals, shipment of essential medical supplies and equipment

and bringing together organisations with shared aims. We are not an umbrella group but one that

catalyses, facilitates and encourages sharing of best practice and coordination of effort.

In coordinating our efforts, we have subdivided our efforts into 5 ‘streams’ or ‘pillars’, namely:

I. Education

II. Equipment & Supplies

III. Communications, Lobbying and Advocacy

IV. Finance and Fundraising

V. Human Resources

Within SLUKDERT we have people with all the skills reflected in those pillars and members align

themselves to the pillars they feel they are best suited to.

Current members of the taskforce include the following (in alphabetical order): Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr;

Georgina Awoonor-Gordon Chukwu-Emeka Chikezie; Alhaji Conteh; Elizabeth Conteh; M’ballu

Francess Conteh; Ival Cummings-John; Ade Daramy; Unisa Dizo-Conteh; Victoria Gordon; Amifa

Kebe-Kamara, Anita Koroma; Isabella Lisk; Khadi Mansaray; Milton Margai; Faith Okrafo-Smart; Sitnah

J Palmer; Janet Sam-King, Sahr Fasuluku, Dr Achmed Kamara, Eldred Camara-Taylor.

Contact us: Email: slukEbolaTaskforce@gmail.com

Our activities are recorded on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kick-Ebola-Out-Of-Sierra-Leone/1462845790664314#!/sierraleoneukebola?hc_location=timeline All of us are volunteers. We ‘meet’ two or three times a week using electronic conferencing (Zoom or Skype).

LIST OF REGISTRANTS AND ATTENDEES

Sierra Leonean Diaspora Ebola Response, Saturday 29th November 2014

Organisation First Name Surname

N/A Alfred Aberdeen

Next Step Initiative Harry Agyako

Unite 4 West Africa Thomas Armitt

Network Salone John Awoonor-Gordon

SLUKDERT Georgina Awoonor-Gordon

Praxis Keith Bolshaw

Kings College Hospital Viviane Brackenbury

Soul of Africa Leadership Catherine Casolani

SSM Balogun Melvin Chalobah

Up!-Africa Ltd Chukwu-Emeka Chikezie

Masanga Hospital/Sierra Leonean Adventists

Abroad Edward Cole

SLUKDERT Unisa Dizo-Conteh

SLUKDERT and Sweissy Union Alhaji Conteh

TOSHPA and SLUKDERT Elizabeth Conteh

SLEA/ ACYC Aminata Conteh

SLUKDERT Ival Cummings John

Soul of Africa Leadership Joy Cummings-Jones

SLUKDERT Ade Daramy

National Ebola Response Recruitment Drive Maryam Darwich

Project ACEi Alimatu Dimonekene

MUSAC house of caring Francess Easmon

YSSOSTFA Dian Fasuluku

SLUKDERT Sahr Fasuluku

Kids In Kailahun Andrew Galland

London Sustainability Exchange Baindu-Lisa Gobio-Lamin

SLWT Dennis Green

WRESL Theodora Hamilton

St Mungos Broadway Housing Association Hannah Hughes

LunchBoxGift Memuna Janneh

Sierra Leone Cancer Charity (VIJI) Jacqueline John

WRESL Yasmin Jusu-Sheriff

Kabia Descendants Association (KDA) Morloh Kabia

NHS Fatu Kalawa-Conte

Disabled International Foundation Imambay Kamara

Kabia Descendants Association (KDA) Armin Kamara

SLUKDERT Amifa Kebe-Kamara

Soul of Africa Leadership Steve Knights

Middlesex university Pastor Gloria Lebbie

SLUKDERT Isabella Lisk

N/A Mamakoh Magona

Mansary Consulting and Sondiata Global

Media Khadijatu Mansaray

N/A Rahmatu Mansaray

Sierra Leone Matters Milton Margai

N/A Martha Massaquoi

Adullam Missions Rev. Tamba Eric Mbayo

University of Sussex / Pure Associates Abbie Mead

N/A Fromme Mee

Recytec-IT Joe Momoh

Sickle Cell Awareness Network (SCCAN) Dingiswayo Nyandemo

Sickle cell carers awareness network Sia Evelyn Nyandemo

AFFORD UK Emma Orefuwa

Better Lives Foundation Devi Patel

Better Lives Foundation Raj Patel

N/A Jacqueline Perret

health education advocacy for development Roy Robinson

University of Sussex David Rubyan-Ling

A-Scholars Mariama Samba

Sierra Leone High Commission Abdul Sankoh

HelpMadina Veronica Sawicki

JMC Medical Research Jay Sea

Lunchboxgift Sukaina Sesay

helpmadina Rohit Sethi

Sierra Leone Cancer Charity (VIJI) Ronita Shaw

N/A Isabella Smith

Herbert Smith Freehills Judith Smyth

Kono District Development Association Aiah Sodengbe

EngAyde Alberta Stevens

SLUKDERT Eldred Taylor-Camara

news deeply Kate Thomas

NHS Aiah Tondoneh

Karma Cola UK Albert Tucker

WRESL Nabeela Tunis

Stand Up for Africa (SUFA) Momo Turay

Sierra Leoneans (UK) United Against Ebola Sam Walker

N/A Lati Wilson

TOSHPA Natasha Gbani-Banya

TOSHPA Fatmata Krusat

EngAyde Rugiatu Wurie

God is our Light church Theresa Yongai

WHAT NOW /WHERE NEXT?

The taskforce to look afresh at the signposting individuals and groups.

Greater strides to be made in leveraging technology to assist people get help as well as

information, to make their own productive contribution to Ebola and post-Ebola Sierra Leone; it

is too costly to provide a human-intermediated service.

To seek opportunities for various pillars within the taskforce to partner with other Sierra

Leonean groups in the distribution of resources on an equitable, needs-driven basis across

Sierra Leone and in the collection and sharing of best practice

THE ‘POST-MEETING’ LANDSCAPE:

COLLABORATION BETWEEN SLUKDERT AND NOSLINA

In January 2015, the UK and USA Sierra Leonean diaspora cooperated to airlift $85,000 worth

of medical supplies for emergency Ebola relief.

Members of the Sierra Leone UK Diaspora Ebola Response Taskforce and the National

Organization

Of Sierra Leoneans in North America (NOSLINA) collaborated to airlift 26 pallets of urgently

needed medical supplies and equipment worth $85,000 to Sierra Leone on January 3, 2015.

On November 24 2014, the chair of the Taskforce, Ade Daramy, and the Executive Director of

NOSLINA, Suna Nallo, signed a memorandum of understanding committing their two

organizations to collaborate.

The agreement enabled the Taskforce to take advantage of NOSLINA’s relationship with Airlink

through which humanitarian aid is airlifted to hotspots on favourable terms; its relationship with

Medshare that makes available high quality surplus medical supplies and equipment at heavily

discounted rates; and NOSLINA’s well-established procedures for securing expedited clearing

of medical aid with authorities in Sierra Leone.

The SLUKDERT Education Pillar has organised an event for 7 March 2015 in London under

the banner “Books, Babes and Beyond Ebola” to address some of the issues raised at this

meeting.

SLUKDERT MEMBERSHIP SURVEY

In January 2015, SLUKDERT carried out a survey of members to identify specific areas where they

would like to contribute and on whether they wanted a role in a post-Ebola Diaspora organisation.

A headline of the survey was that the majority thought that there should be a role for the taskforce or

something like it in a post-Ebola Sierra Leone. Of 20 respondents to the survey, only 2 said they

wanted to end their membership once the Ebola crisis is over.

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

EngAyde is a group of concerned Sierra Leoneans, dedicated to developing a reliable and

trustworthy one-stop-shop online platform that is focused on connecting, catalysing, and

influencing decisions and actions to help bring a swift end to the Ebola crisis and its long term

effect on Sierra Leone. In relation to influencing, we also consider ourselves to be an

advisory/advocacy group that applies pressure where necessary. See: www.engayde.org

"Unlocking disaster paradigms: An actor-oriented focus on disaster response."

"The domain of local disaster response is constituted by the manifold ways in which local

people cope with emergency, maximising their own capacities, resources and social networks.

People anticipate disaster and rely on themselves and their community folks for survival. It has

been estimated that no more than 10% of survival in emergencies can be contributed to

external sources of relief aid." Hilhorst, Dorothea. 2003.

http://ipcc-wg2.gov/njlite_download.php?id=6263

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation provides regular updates on Ebola on its

website: http://health.gov.sl/

Community Ebola Toolkit

“‘Community level action is an essential element in achieving equity in global health” – quote for CHGN from Professor Peter Piot, Director of Global Health, LSHTM, and co-discoverer of the Ebola virus. The CHGN Ebola toolkit is a collection of resources that we hope will be of use to many of the organisations, agencies and individuals working to address the Ebola outbreak in English-speaking West Africa, particularly those engaged at the community-level.

This toolkit is available in USB format. To order, please email us with your name, location,

organisation and the number of USB sticks you would like. We will respond as soon as

possible.

Please email them at ebolaresponse@CHGN.org