In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis due to the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa, St John of God Health Care has pledged $20,000 to support the Brothers of St John of God who operate hospitals in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
The World Health Organisation declared the Ebola outbreak an epidemic in March. Since then, over 5,000 people have died and 9,000 cases have been reported, with more than half the deaths occurring in Liberia.
The Brothers of St John of God have been overwhelmed with demand for their services with many people simply attending the unprepared hospitals seeking medical assistance.
At St Joseph Catholic Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia, sadly, four Brothers, one Sister and 13 caregivers have died trying to save others. The hospital has now closed while it awaits staff and equipment to safely manage the disease.
The St John of God Health Care Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Michael Stanford, said that when a humanitarian crisis occurs, St John of God Health Care looks for ways it can support organisations working with people on the ground to ensure monies donated go to where they are most needed.
“In looking for ways to give our support to the international campaign to address the Ebola crisis in West Africa, we were all deeply saddened by the wide-spread devastation and human suffering.
“In learning of the tragic circumstances unfolding for the Brothers of St John of God and their community amidst this tragic story, we were compelled to do what we could to assist them directly,” Dr Stanford said.
“The prayers and thoughts of all in the St John of God Health Care community are with those who are suffering.”