In spring 2014, the life-threatening Ebola virus broke out in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. After a first all-clear signal, it quickly became clear that the virus could not be brought under control. The population has also suffered economically and our activities have been severely restricted.

Authorities and population had no experience with Ebola. Information about the infection, identification and treatment of the disease was urgently needed, along with the medical measures for the people directly affected. We have observed that help from outside has arrived only hesitantly and far too late. The Swiss authorities announced their support and we were invited to several meetings at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Due to the visible spread of the virus and the passivity of the industrialised countries (including the Swiss authorities), we have launched our own awareness campaign.

The plan was to invite the public to performances. Playful, with music and dance, street children, who are looked after by our friends at »Tyabala Théatre«, have explained to the population the dangers and the handling of Ebola. For two months, they were constantly on the road.

Mamadou & Bineta planned and coordinated the project, involved the authorities, and provided protection to large parts of the population. The campaign was a success and exceeded our expectations. We have written a detailed report. The costs amounted to relatively low CHF 4’500.