Ebola Comic Strip Project

Thirty young people in Ghana participated in the comic story workshop, which began with the group identifying and prioritising issues that concern them, such as Ebola and other diseases, as well as social issues such as domestic violence. The group chose to focus on Ebola, which at the time of the workshop (and of this writing) had not spread to Ghana, but is a major concern, as nearby countries such as Liberia have a high prevalence.

The comic stories were created to help communicate basic information about Ebola. "In a youth friendly way and designed by the young people themselves, the comic strips will help to explain what Ebola is; how its transmitted, how to take precautions, and why there is a need for careful treatment and isolation of patients. We want to help stop the spread of Ebola by giving people the correct facts and information about the virus - before fear and ignorance can take hold."

Using the original drawings, an award-winning comic strip artist, Stephen Marchant, produced a colourful booklet, which is being made available in English and French. In order to ensure the accuracy of the facts, a professor from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine authenticated and reviewed the information in the booklet.

The booklets are being distributed via streetfootballworld and FIFA Football For Hope members living in West Africa. It is also available for download online, and printing is being encouraged. Click here to download the booklet and read the printing instructions.

Ebola

The project follows the same approach of a similar HIV-focused campaign in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, undertaken by the partners. WhizzKids United is based in KwaZulu-Natal, and uses primarily football to develop life skills and HIV prevention strategies among young people.