LIBERIA: WaterAid’s Head of Region Cautions Liberia on Ebola Prevention
By: WASH R&E “Media” Network – The Head of Region for WaterAid West Africa, Mariame Dem is urging the government and people of Liberia to continue preventive measures against the deadly Ebola virus.
Team Leader of WaterAid Liberia and Sierra Leone, Chuchu Selma
Toast to the success of WaterAid and Liberia on behalf of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
WaterAid Team and partners at the honoring program
Head of Region for WaterAid West Africa, Mariame Dem
Madam Dem says Liberia has come a long way in the prevention of Ebola, and wants the country to continue all preventive measures in the interest of ensuring good health and development.
She said, Liberia has a vast experience in Ebola Awareness and Prevention, and hoped that the gains made will not revised.
The Regional Head of WaterAid West Africa was speaking over the weekend, at an honoring program held at the Royal Grand Hotel in Monrovia, while on a special tour to Liberia.
During the program, the British Charity, WaterAid Liberia and Sierra Leone awarded the Government and people of Liberia with the title, “Courage” for ending the transmission of the Ebola Virus. WaterAid also called for basic WASH activities like constant hand washing among others be observed to always keep Ebola away from Liberia.
Madam Dem said: “Liberia during its difficult days of the Ebola outbreak remained steadfast and committed in the fight of the disease”.
She lauded President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf saying: “for mustering courage to lead Liberians in spite of their diversity they still displayed hard work through resilience and you became victorious over the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)”.
“Because of this, Liberia was adjudged for the prestigious Award of Courage in the service of humanity”, Madam Dem pointed out.
The WaterAid Regional Head further pointed out that her entity was in the country to help Liberia put in place proper WASH facilities to meet the delivery of services to all Liberians in homes and institutions including schools.
She also commended WaterAid Liberia and Sierra Leone, for the commitment to duty to face the challenges posed by the EVD. “Yet you did not abandon your duty and people when they needed you most to work for them” she stressed.
Madam Dem then called for a Strategic Plan for each country within the region to meet the new Global Standard for WASH.
Speaking on behalf of the Office of the President, the Deputy Head of the President’s Delivery Unit, Amos Siebo, thanked WaterAid for the honor and called on foreign partners to continue supporting Liberia.
He said President Sirleaf appreciated the honor and noted that Liberia recognizes the contributions of WaterAid and its Team in Liberia and Sierra Leone in providing water as one of the most basic essentials at the time in the Ebola Treatment Units (ETUs) and the services being provided in the WASH Sector of the country.
He recalled the scaring moment when the Ebola Disease was killing indiscriminately, noting that WaterAid has always been there in providing improved Water. Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services.
“The country and government were taken aback because we were not quit prepared in handling the disease due to the lack of capacity among other”, Mr. Siebo said, thanking WaterAid for standing with Liberia.
Mr. Siebo called on Liberians to sustain their spirit of resilience in every endeavor for the development of Liberia.
The visit of the Head of Region for WaterAid West Africa, Mariame Dem to Liberia was to express appreciation for the successful fight against Ebola and for the courage demonstrated during one the darkest moments in the history of the sub-region.
Recently WaterAid Liberia and Sierra Leone Programme received WaterAid’s Value Awards for the Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Immense Resourcefulness displayed in keeping the Liberia and Sierra Leone programme open throughout the Ebola crisis.
Madam Dem during the honoring program heard what motivated Partners of WaterAid Liberia and Sierra Leone to have such fortitude and resilience, and what is the new thinking that will likely shape development of the WASH sector in Liberia to help prevent the reoccurrence of such catastrophe.
