The Ebola outbreak, the largest and longest in history, has had a devastating impact on children and their families. The countries affected so far in Western Africa are Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Eight neighboring countries are also at risk as the virus could quickly spread across borders unless there are rapid improvements to control it. Because of the seriousness of the situation, the United Nations and other international organizations, as well as governments and societies around the world are providing emergency aid to prevent the spread of the epidemic.

MASHAV, which has already begun to provide assistance in the region, at the request of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now preparing to intensify its efforts. The Israeli government aid includes the deployment of mobile field hospitals to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, with emphasis on isolation units and protection gear to allow medical professionals to quarantine and care for their patients. 

MASHAV, in the name of the government of Israel, calls upon Israelis to join in the global effort to assist the Western African countries in combating the outbreak of the Ebola virus. In light of its importance and urgency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through MASHAV and SID-Israel, invites NGOs interested in taking part in efforts in the field and marshaling resources to take part in the inaugural meeting of the Israeli Forum to Combat Ebola sponsored by the Israeli Fund for UNICEF (IFU) and SID-Israel.

UNICEF Israel works to strengthen the voice of children in Israel, advance their rights, and raise awareness to issues impacting children’s lives and welfare through promoting legislation, building partnerships to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, education and advocacy, volunteer groups, and fundraising. It also works to make the State of Israel a partner in UNICEF’s global work to save children from poverty, hunger, diseases, war and emergencies. 

SID-Israel is the Israeli branch of the Society for International Development (SID), a global forum of individuals and organizations working in the field of sustainable economic and social development. Since its founding in 1957, SID has been at the forefront of both theoretical and practical issues relating to international development, with over 3000 members in 80 countries and 45 branches across the globe.SID exerts influence through its special consultative status in various international organizations including: UNFPA, UNICEF, ILO, FAO, ECOSOC, UNEP and others. 

The Israeli branch of SID re-launched its efforts in 2011 and represents a platform for activities and networking for an extensive community of academics, students, development experts, NGOs and the private sector.