Alpha Fraternity inspires health centers

The Alpha Phil Alpha Fraternity and the Alpha Kappa Alpha in Liberia have pledged commitment to helping in eradicating the Ebola virus out of Liberia.

The Ebola outbreak has taken over a thousand lives in the three badly affected West African countries, including Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Speaking Tuesday, September 23rd at a news conference in Monrovia, the president of the Alpha Fraternity, T Nelson Williams, who is also managing director of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) noted that the brothers of Alpha Fraternity, and sisters of Alpha Kappa Sorority responded to the clarion call made by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for Liberians to join hands in the fight against the deadly outbreak.

Mr. Williams said as a result of the President’s request, Alpha in the United States has overwhelmingly raised thousands of dollars to purchase supplies for Liberia.

He said the first shipment of supplies, including isolation gowns, rain boots, latex gloves, apron protection and goggles will arrive in the country in October, adding that these supplies will be given to medical facilities around the country and health workers, who are at risk.

The LPRC boss further noted that Ebola experts have stressed that to combat the virus, continual community engagement and awareness should be given a priority, noting that there is a need for proper coordination and information dissemination to stop the rapid spread.

Director Williams pointed out that the Alpha brothers and sisters are trained and armed with awareness materials from UNICEF, and the Ministry of Health to embark upon a major community awareness program, targeting community leaders and volunteers. He said both the Fraternity and the Sorority have trained a total of 1,775 persons from 63 communities in Montserrado and Grand Bassa counties to join the ongoing fight.

Also speaking at the news conference, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, said the groups have independently provided resources to help fight against the virus without government’s intervention.

She urged the groups to display their response efforts on screen so others could see and be encouraged to join the Ebola fight. The Liberian leader noted that people’s attitudes towards the virus need to stop, specifically the issue of denial.