The world’s top footballers have joined forces with global health experts to help raise awareness in the fight against the Ebola outbreak that has claimed over 5,000 lives.
In a new campaign “11 Against Ebola”, players from some of Europe’s biggest clubs come together to promote preventative measures aimed at communities affected by the Ebola virus.
The players included Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Barcelona’s Neymar Jr., Chelsea’s Didier Drogba and Bayern Munich’s Philipp Lahm.
Using the slogan “Together, we can beat Ebola” and the hashtag #wecanbeatebola, players share 11 simple health messages selected with the help of doctors and health experts from Africa, the World Bank Group and the World Health Organization, among the organizations tackling the outbreak in some parts of West Africa.
A statement issued by the World Bank Group office in Washington said each message was amplified through animated films, radio content, banners, posters and photographs of the players.
World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim said “It’s inspiring to see the world’s top football players come together to help in the fight against Ebola. By spreading important health messages to children, families, and communities in the Ebola-affected countries, the power of their celebrity will literally help save lives.”
Barcelona’s Neymar Jr said: “We all hope this positive campaign will improve people’s understanding of the Ebola virus and help us to reduce the chances of it spreading. Let’s all get behind this campaign to help our brothers and sisters in the worst-hit regions. Together, we can beat Ebola.”
The World Bank Group is mobilising nearly $1 billion in financing for the countries hardest hit by the Ebola crisis. This includes more than $500 million for the emergency response.
An additional $450 million from the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, will enable trade, investment and employment in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Credit: GNA
