Ebola treatment hospital dedicated -Serves as ‘doctors’ refuge’

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has described as “a means of refuge,” a 25-bed high quality health facility, constructed by the U.S. Department of Defense to provide care to healthcare workers “who may be infected with the Ebola virus.”

The dedication of the Monrovia Medical Unit or MMU near the Roberts International Airport in Margibi County on Wednesday came just about a week after another eight- tants ETU under a World Health Organization or WHO-led construction, was dedicated in Monrovia, as Liberia the deadly Ebola virus declines. In remarks, President Sirleaf said the facility built to cater to doctors and other health workers will represent “a major, major contribution to our fight against the disease.”

“Today, they, too, now will have a means of refuge; they too will have a place where they can come and they can have people rendering them service to ensure that they maintain life,” President Sirleaf said, expressing gratitude to U.S President Barrack Obama and his government, Ambassador Deborah Malac, the US Congress and the people of the United States. She noted that the Government and people of the United States have been able to help Liberia, particularly expressing delight over the US’ pledge of a long-term partnership with Liberia.

Earlier, US Ambassador to Liberia Debora Malac said the US Government was deploying more than 950 government personnel to West Africa- the largest ever-US Government response to a global health crisis.

“While the MMU represents only one milestone in our ongoing fight against Ebola virus, it is a vital piece of the puzzle. At this facility, a team of 70 public health officers made up of clinicians, administrators and support staff, will bring care to the brave healthcare workers from the United States, Liberia and around the globe…” she said, describing the healthcare workers as “the true heroes in our battle with the Ebola virus-those who are winning the fight day-by-day and patient-by-patient.”

The U.S. Diplomat said the field hospital or MMU is multifunctional and was configured to meet the mission requirements specific to infectious disease treatment in Liberia. The primary purpose of the field hospital is to care for health care workers who become ill from the Ebola virus in Liberia.