I have been a fan of Idris Elba since The Wire, but as of lately my admiration comes from his commitment to serve, rather than his handsome looks. The CDC Foundation, actor Idris Elba and a global team of African soccer stars, international health and aid organizations recently announced the launch of Africa United, a global health communications campaign aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola in West Africa.
Africa United will leverage campaign partners and celebrities to provide critical education and resources for the people of West Africa. A central campaign public service announcement focuses on building trust for and showing solidarity with healthcare workers battling Ebola on the front lines of West Africa. The 2014 Ebola epidemic is the largest in history, infecting nearly 16,000 people with more than 5,600 deaths to date. While the spread of Ebola is a threat to people, health systems and economies around the globe, West African communities in particular are being crippled by the disease as a result of already-strained healthcare systems, mistrust of healthcare workers and fear and stigmatization of those infected.
“For me the battle against Ebola is a personal one. To see those amazing countries in West Africa where my father grew up and my parents married being ravaged by this disease is painful and horrific,” said Idris who is the creative force behind the development of the campaign public service announcements. “Imagine having to sit down and tell your family that you were going to fight this disease. That conversation is happening across West Africa and around the world every day. I am in awe of the bravery of these health workers, who put their lives at risk day in and out to stop the spread of this terrible disease. My hope is that, in some small way, through the development of these PSAs and the creation of the Africa United campaign, we can ensure that these workers get the support they need and that health messages are delivered to people on the ground to help them in their fight. #wevegotyourback. We will support you.”
Elba has rallied a group of soccer stars, including Yaya Touré (Ivorian), Carlton Cole (Nigerian and Sierra Leonean descent), Kei Kamara (Sierra Leone-born), Patrick Viera (Senegal-born), Fabrice Muamba (Democratic Republic of Congo-born) and Andros Townsend, to share this message of solidarity with healthcare workers in a new public service announcement titled We’ve Got Your Back. In the video, the players acknowledge that, although fans regard them as heroes, healthcare workers tackling Ebola are the true heroes. Each player wears the name of a healthcare worker on his back as a symbol of respect for “the world’s most important team.” The PSA will be featured during the Official Draw for the 2015 Orange Africa Cup of Nations in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on December 3, through a partnership with Africa United partner, the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
To further leverage the power of soccer to reach Africans, Africa United will distribute FIFA and CAF’s ‘11 Against Ebola’ messages through Africa United partners. “Stopping Ebola is an emergency, and CAF is committed to using the powerful platform of football in service of our brothers in West Africa who are suffering from Ebola,” said Mr. Issa Hayatou, President of CAF.
Visit www.WeAreAfricaUnited.org to join the campaign by sharing educational materials or donating to support the life-saving work taking place in West Africa.
