Safe and dignified burials in Sierra Leone
Today, an IFRC (International Federation of Red Cross) team removed the body of a young man, suspected of having died of Ebola, from his house whilst the family held a small ceremony in memory their family member. The body was then driven to the cemetary where it was buried in a dignifed way.
As part of the Operation Western Aera Surge in Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leonean Red Cross Society is undertaking safe and dignified burials ensuring that those who have died from the disease are treated with respect, while also ensuring the safety of communities. This is critical work, often performed by volunteers.
Volunteers must wear full personal protective equipment and work in teams of seven.
Freetown, Sierra Leone on 24 December 2014
Photo: UNMEER/Martine Perret