Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : October 13, 2014 5:02 PM IST
David Beckham, former captain of England football team, is all set to head a campaign to stop the spread of the Ebola virus which has claimed more than 4,000 lives all over the world. As a UNICEF ambassador, the ace football player will appear in a video which will shed light on ways to prevent the transmission of the deadly Ebola virus. The video will be broadcast across West Africa, the worst Ebola-hit area. The 39-year old footballer will explain the importance of hygiene and sanitation in preventing the spread of the epidemic in three worst Ebola-hit nations namely Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. (Read: How the Ebola virus spreads in humans)
Isha Johansen, president of Sierra Leone Football Association revealed the role of David Beckham in stopping the spread of Ebola outbreak. She further said, 'To get David Beckham on board to support this campaign was a big deal and we are really grateful to him. Football is like a religion in Sierra Leone and every individual (men, women and kids) follow the Premier League, although Mr Beckham is favourite of all.' (Read: Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ))
The Confederation of African Football has registered concerns about the 2015 African Nations Cup tournament. The football star not only visited a town in Sierra Leone and met children but also played football on the roadside. This is not the first time that the footballer visited Sierra Leone, he visited Makeni city earlier in the year 2008. During his visit, he also met football players of FC Johansen. Health Officials are yet to discuss about African Nations Cup in a meeting to be held next month by taking into account health risks caused by Ebola. (Read: 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection)
Image Source: Getty Images
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