Mission Group to Review Crisis Response Policies and Safety Procedures

Contact: Palmer Holt, 704-662-2569, PHolt@InChristCommunications.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 19, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- SIM USA (www.simusa.org) said today it is saddened by the recent attacks on Ebola aid workers and journalists in Guinea and plans to review its crisis response strategies in light of the attacks.

According to published media reports, at least eight Ebola aid workers and journalists were killed in Guinea because of fear surrounding foreign workers who are attempting to control the spread of the deadly disease. Crowds have also reportedly turned back aid workers in other areas of West Africa where the outbreak has been the most severe.

"We at SIM are deeply saddened by the recent attack in Guinea that took the lives of people who came to offer assistance in the face of the Ebola crisis," said Bruce Johnson, president of SIM USA. "We are praying for their families and for the people in Guinea as they work through the aftermath of this atrocity."

At this time, SIM does not plan to relocate staff in the area. It will review its crisis response policies to ensure that its staff is safe and secure.

According to the latest report from the World Health Organization, nearly 2,500 people have died as a result of the latest Ebola outbreak, with nearly 5,000 probable, confirmed and suspected cases.  

SIM had two of the three American missionary workers who contracted Ebola in Liberia and were evacuated to the U.S. for treatment.

SIM's ELWA 2 Ebola Treatment Center in Monrovia has experienced increasing survival rates as a result of consistent and quality medical care supported by prayer. Dr. Jerry Brown, SIM's Liberian medical director, reported that 40 of the 69 Ebola patients in its care center are in stable condition and showing signs of survival.

The latest updates on SIM's role in the Ebola epidemic in Liberia are available at www.simusa.org.

SIM (www.simusa.org) is an international Christian mission organization with a staff of nearly 3,000 workers from 70 nationalities serving in more than 65 countries. In addition to medicine, SIM serves on every continent in areas of education, community development, public health and Christian witness. While SIM stood for Sudan Interior Mission when it was founded 120 years ago, it is now a global mission known as SIM (pronounced S-I-M).

To schedule an interview with Bruce Johnson, president of SIM USA, contact Palmer Holt at 704-662-2569 or pholt@inchristcommunications.com.