the use of t.e.r.a in sierra leone
the cholera outbreak
In 2012 a state of emergency was declared when heavy rains and poor sanitation lead to the rapid spread of cholera in Sierra Leone. It was the worst outbreak seen by the country in 40 years. Because only 1 in every 10 homes have safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, the issue is not one easily solved. Furthermore, Cholera vaccinations are pricey for the developing country. Rivers and water systems commonly used for drinking water are often polluted with sewage. Those residing in areas surrounding these water sources are particularly susceptible to contracting cholera because of this. This water is also used to water crops and prepare food, causing the disease to also be spread through food consumption. Over 350 people were killed by the outbreak. The below video asserts that though the outbreak may appear to be over, the education and engagement of citizens is essential in preventing a future outbreaks.
use of t.e.r.a
Though the outbreak was largely caused by insufficient sanitation systems and rain, proper education on disease prevention and hygiene could have saved lives. For this reason, the Sierra Leonne has welcomed the efforts of Red Cross to bring TERA to the country. It will be the second country in the world to launch the program. It has paired with the country's largest mobile operators Airtel, Comium and SierraTel, which are used by 1.2 million people in Sierra Leone, as a preventative effort against cholera, malaria, tuberculosis and hygiene issues. The providers have agreed to expand their coverage as part of the effort to reach 1.5 million people. Because 70 percent of the population has access to a mobile phone, TERA has the ability to reach a significant percentage of the population. Considering the fact that the country suffers from an average of 20 natural disasters annually, ranging from brush fires, floods and landslides, the service is much needed. Furthermore, the country is one of the poorest and with one of the worst health records. Each year 16,000 children and adults die from malaria, which is a preventable disease with adequate education on the topic. In this way, the cholera outbreak may prove to be the necessary impetus behind improved public health and disaster response.
sample t.e.r.a messages
These were the actual first messages sent as part of a malaria prevention campaign in Sierra Leone in April of 2013
Day 1
Red Cross/MOHS: Mosquito bites can give you malaria. There are more mosquitos in rainy season, so we’ll send you advice to prevent malaria
Day 2
RedCross/MOHS: Prevent malaria by sleeping under insecticide-treated bednet, wear clothes that cover arms and legs evening and early morning
Day 3
Red Cross/MOHS: Don’t let your house or compound get dirty. Clear pools of standing water. This stops mosquitos breeding near your home
Day 4
Red Cross/MOHS: Malaria causes fever, headache, chills, vomiting. Go quick to the nearest govt health clinic for free tests and treatment
Day 5
Red Cross/MOHS: Malaria is more dangerous for pregnant women and children under 5, but they can get treated free at all govt clinics
Day 1
Red Cross/MOHS: Mosquito bites can give you malaria. There are more mosquitos in rainy season, so we’ll send you advice to prevent malaria
Day 2
RedCross/MOHS: Prevent malaria by sleeping under insecticide-treated bednet, wear clothes that cover arms and legs evening and early morning
Day 3
Red Cross/MOHS: Don’t let your house or compound get dirty. Clear pools of standing water. This stops mosquitos breeding near your home
Day 4
Red Cross/MOHS: Malaria causes fever, headache, chills, vomiting. Go quick to the nearest govt health clinic for free tests and treatment
Day 5
Red Cross/MOHS: Malaria is more dangerous for pregnant women and children under 5, but they can get treated free at all govt clinics
Citations:
Medecins Sans Frontiers , "Guinea and Sierra Leone: Cholera epidemic escalates." Last modified August 20, 2012. Accessed November 17, 2013. http://www.msf.org/article/guinea-and-sierra-leone-cholera-epidemic-escalates.
reliefweb, "Using technology to save lives in Sierra Leone." Last modified April 15, 2013. Accessed November 17, 2013. http://reliefweb.int/report/sierra-leone/using-technology-save-lives-sierra-leone.
Trilogy International Software, "TERA successfully deployed in Sierra Leone." Accessed November 17, 2013. http://www.trilogyinternationalsoftware.com/tera-successfully-deployed-in-sierra-leone/.
IRIN, "Sierra Leone braces for cholera season." Last modified June 12, 2013. Accessed November 17, 2013. http://www.irinnews.org/fr/report/98214/sierra-leone-braces-for-cholera-season.
Medecins Sans Frontiers , "Guinea and Sierra Leone: Cholera epidemic escalates." Last modified August 20, 2012. Accessed November 17, 2013. http://www.msf.org/article/guinea-and-sierra-leone-cholera-epidemic-escalates.
reliefweb, "Using technology to save lives in Sierra Leone." Last modified April 15, 2013. Accessed November 17, 2013. http://reliefweb.int/report/sierra-leone/using-technology-save-lives-sierra-leone.
Trilogy International Software, "TERA successfully deployed in Sierra Leone." Accessed November 17, 2013. http://www.trilogyinternationalsoftware.com/tera-successfully-deployed-in-sierra-leone/.
IRIN, "Sierra Leone braces for cholera season." Last modified June 12, 2013. Accessed November 17, 2013. http://www.irinnews.org/fr/report/98214/sierra-leone-braces-for-cholera-season.