Eleven years ago, our community in Sierra Leone faced the devastating Ebola epidemic that shattered West Africa. Many of you stood with us then — and we've never forgotten it. Today, as a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, we want to be transparent with you about what we're seeing, what we're doing, and where your support matters most.

The current outbreak is caused by a strain for which there is no vaccine and limited treatment options. This isn't a challenge we've solved before. 

Is Ebola in Sierra Leone?

Not currently. West African nations like Sierra Leone are at lower risk due to distance from the current outbreak, which is occurring in East and Central Africa. However, we know from experience that vigilance saves lives. We're monitoring the situation closely and staying in regular contact with health authorities and our partners on the ground.

Could it spread to Sierra Leone?

While the immediate risk is low, we live in a connected world. The current outbreak is spreading in areas with high cross-border trade and travel, and there are no vaccines or drugs available for this strain. This is why preparedness — not panic — is our posture.

How We're Preparing: Develop Africa is taking measured steps now, before a crisis arrives:

• Monitoring and coordination. We're in contact with our partners in Freetown and across Sierra Leone, staying informed through official health channels.
• Supplies on hand. We have over 1600 cloth masks ready to distribute to our programs and community partners if needed.
• Institutional memory. We learned hard lessons in 2014-2015. Our team knows what works: early communication, community trust, and practical preparation.
•  

In 2014-2015, we discovered that the organizations that saved the most lives were the ones that could move fast. When a new cluster of cases appeared, when community needs shifted, when local partners identified a gap — we couldn't afford to spend weeks fundraising. Every day mattered.

The timing problem: If we wait until cases appear and then ask donors for resources, we've lost crucial days. By the time funds arrive and we source supplies, the situation has escalated. We need to be ahead of the crisis, not chasing it.

How You Can Help

If you'd like to support our emergency preparedness efforts and give us the flexibility to respond quickly, donate here to our Emergency Response Fund

Every gift — whether $50 or $5,000 — ensures we can act without delay. 

The 2014 epidemic taught us that organizations with deep roots in their communities, trusted relationships, and forward-thinking leadership respond fastest and most effectively. Develop Africa was there in 2014-2015. We're here now, and we'll be here if we're needed.