(ANS - Monrovia) – “Could Christmas help us to recalibrate our views of the truth? Is this not the main objective of the yearly celebration, starting every December at the manger, before we kick off a new year?" So writes Fr Silvio Roggia, SDB, Vice-Provincial of the Province of West Africa, where millions of people are still contending with Ebola or its consequences.

Although media attention has switched from the Ebola crisis, the situation in the affected countries is still marked by the virus. It goes without saying that prevention must be the first priority, but there are also the difficulties of social reintegration for those who are healed, and perhaps, for a few daredevils like Josephat and his friends in the Dominic Savio and Don Bosco group who have shown extraordinary commitment in their efforts to safeguard the health of others.

In recent weeks this group has continued the work of prevention.  education and help for the people struggling with Ebola. On 10 December Josephat wrote: "The struggle for the eradication of Ebola in Weyala is advancing in a positive way: we have reached almost 50% of our objectives in the village."

Several families in the village have completed the period of quarantine and are free to return to normal life. However, they still suffer the stigma that accompanies them as their name is now associated with the deadly virus. "This requires a new level of awareness and a change of mentality," said Josephat.

The people involved learn their lesson of prudence and meticulous attention to the precautions that are needed to stay healthy during this crisis. UNICEF promised to intervene in Weyala, but only after Josephat insisted on getting an interview with the person in charge.

The Dominic Savio and Don Bosco group continue their home to home visits, always for the purpose of educating the people but also to distribute food and clothing purchased with the funds collected. The food helps those who are infected to react to the virus and clothes are needed because many have had to burn their entire wardrobe to avoid infection.

Published 24/12/2014