by Jewel Stephen

The fear of the Ebola virus is the beginning of wisdom. Such was the message preached by old and young, rich and poor alike during the months when Ebola was rife in Lagos, Nigeria. It is no respecter of persons and only a vague 9% are known to be immune to it.

“Are you immune?” some would ask. “When I catch it I’ll know” some would reply. But why wait to be infected when you can just avoid it by waving at people instead of shaking their hands, dispensing a pump of hand sanitizer into your palm every minute, even the Bluetooth hand greeting was remembered.

“Dear Lord, thank you for delivering us from the scourge for we a warm and hospitable people who love to shake hands, hug each other and give kisses on the cheeks”.

We can pray that prayer, yes, but there are some others who can’t. Other West African countries are still ravaged with the scourge. In Sierra Leone the virus is still widespread, unknown transmissions are still being reported in Guinea and even Liberia is still suffering. This is not just the fight of these 3 West African countries, it is our fight, it is the African continent’s fight.

Telecom’s giant, MTN have donated $10million dollars to the fight and are also providing you with the opportunity to donate to the fight against Ebola too. There is no need to fear because fear is a weakness, it paralyses and makes us do nothing. Instead, let us be strong in our numbers, donate to the cause and heal our continent.

Be part of this fight by sending Stop Ebola to 7979 on your MTN line and you will be donating less than $1 and sponsoring health workers who are themselves endangering their lives in the quest to end the scourge. Remember, United we stand, Divided we fall.

Oluwapelumi