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African football legend on Ebola fact finding mission in Ghana, Sierra Leone

Samuel Eto'o with a FIFA delegation visited the countries to experience first-hand the progress of some health campaigns

Samuel Eto'o in Ghana and Sierra Leone

African football legend Samuel Eto’o recently embarked on an Ebola fact finding mission to African countries Sierra Leone and Ghana.

The former Barcelona and Chelsea striker was in the company of a FIFA delegation led by FIFA Chief Medical Officer Prof. Jiri Dvorak.

They visited the countries to experience first-hand the progress of FIFA’s health campaigns one year after the emergency campaign ‘11 against Ebola’ which was launched in West Africa at the peak of the Ebola epidemic.

FIFA is now introducing its longer-term health promotion campaign, 'FIFA 11 for Health', in Sierra Leone.

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Known for his social engagement and strong commitment to the African continent, Samuel Eto’o took the opportunity during his visit to Sierra Leone and Ghana to interact with vulnerable communities, especially children affected by the Ebola epidemic.

The four-time African player of the year shared some photos from his trips on his Instagram.

“My heartfelt thanks to the people and authorities of Sierra Leone and Ghana! #11ForHealth #11AgainstEbola #MuchLove #SonOfAfrica #Brothers&Sisters,” the striker wrote.

Eto’o also went in to local schools in Sierra Leone and Ghana to communicate and promote the 'FIFA 11 for Health”'messages.

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“I’m excited to be home in Africa and proud to see what my brothers in Sierra Leone have achieved in successfully fighting against the Ebola virus,” Eto’o told FIFA.com.

“Health is the most important thing in life, with health and a strong dream you can achieve anything in life. Football has an important role to play in educating young girls and boys to live a healthy lifestyle.”

Eto’o has been actively involved in charity of late.

The 34-year-old has raised about $75,000 (N14m) for victims of Boko Haram in Nigeria and his home country Cameroon.

According to Oxfam, more than 1.5m have fled their homes in Nigeria and Cameroon amid a rise tide in Boko Haram attacks.

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Eto’o has set up a charity foundationcalled the Yellow Whistleblower FC foundation through which he has raised the money help these people.

Watch this Samuel Eto'o video, below:

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