A Wagga Wagga man is urging the Australian Government to do more to support workers wanting to help contain the Ebola outbreak in west Africa.
Frank Jarfoi of the Wagga African Association says it is unfortunate the Australian Government has suspended the humanitarian refugee intake from countries affected by Ebola.
But he says he understands why it has been done and has praised the government’s pro-active stance.
Mr Jarfoi believes Australia could be doing more to help those affected.
“They’ve done well by donating $18m to the cause, but something needs to be done, they need to do more,” he said.
“Because if they stop volunteers, experts that want to go there, so they can stem the disease from where it is originating, I think that is a good cause.
“We should applaud health workers, we should applaud the Red Cross volunteers that are going out there to help.
“I think the government should give a helping hand to these people.
Mr Jarfoi, who is originally from Sierra Leone, says after recent conversations with family overseas, he has faith the virus will soon be contained.
Mr Jarfoi is hopeful the suspension will be lifted soon.
“Yes, it’s very unfortunate that they’re doing this, at this particular point in time, but I can see the situation,” he said.
“They want to protect the Australian population.
“Although, even all the tests, the scares they’ve had are all negative, they want to be very proactive and I think their proactivity is what they should’ve done out there in Africa.”
The local African leader believes the Ebola crisis in his home continent is closer to being contained.
“It’s not very good, but gradually, gradually I do believe it will be contained.
“Gradually the OHS (is) now right out there and conversations with my relatives out there… though yes, the infection rate is rising, according to my people there, they are getting on top of the situation.
“Hopefully with the help of generous people that are going there, experts and the help of God, I think we’ll contain it one day.”
Meanwhile, Mr Jarfoi has thanked the Wagga Wagga community for its support of a campaign to raise money for the Ebola crisis.
Mr Jarfoi, says more than $5000 was raised at the weekend event.
He says the money will be donated to the International Red Cross, which is providing support in western Africa to those affected.
Mr Jarfoi says the response from local residents to the cause has been overwhelming.
“It makes me feel very proud to be part of the Wagga community,” he said.
“They’re response has been marvellous, and I’m very proud.
“To give out the time and effort, to really come to that location on Saturday was something we need to applaud, and want to thank them very much for their support.”
Derius Wantee is from Liberia, one of the Ebola affected countries in west Africa.
He is also thanking the Wagga community for their support.
“I feel really great, you know,” he said.
“Because it is our first time doing fundraising for this Ebola crisis.
“It came out really well.
“I’m so happy.
“I’m really, really happy.”