However, the timely intervention of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society (SLRCS) with its introduction of local technologies and basic hygiene practices, SLRCS was able to protect the village not only from ebola but also curtailed diseases that had plagued the community over the years.
Before SLRCS’ intervention, waste disposal and management was a serious problem in the community; garbage was deposited inside a wide-open hole located few meters from our homes. When the hole is filled we used burn the trash.
The improper disposal and management of garbage over the years caused a huge influx of mosquitoes that transmitted noxious malaria parasites in the community.
Also, basic hygienic practices were not known in the community; laundered clothes were dried on the ground, so also were cooking utensils.
Hand washing was not common; the outdoor latrines were dilapidated and were nothing but a mere cesspool of infectious diseases.
“With the coming of SLRCS we were taught how to construct compose fence with palm leaves; Tp taps to wash our hands; plate racks and clothes lines to dry our wearing,” community youth leader, Saidu Koroma explained to this medium during a recent field visit to the community.
He noted that the nearest hospital is 3 and half miles away; and before now they had to walk all the way to the hospital but with commercial bikes now in the community they can easily go to the hospital. However, he pointed out that during the ebola they refrained from using commercial bikes, instead the called the emergency toll-line 117.