The Chairman of the House Committee on Health at the National Legislature, Nimba County Electoral District #3 Representative Joseph N. Somwarbi, says in the wake of the outbreak of the Corona Virus in China, the Ministry of Heath should embarks on vigorous public awareness and education campaign about the virus.
Rep. Somwarbi says while he encourages Liberians to adhere to measures already taken by the Ministry, there is urgent need to start broadcasting messages about the virus in the various Liberian vernaculars to keep the public alert.
He also calls on the National Public Health Institute of Liberia or NPHIL to decentralize such awareness program to hospitals, schools, market places, parking stations, churches and mosques, among others to enable Liberians know symptoms of the virus to protect themselves, if there should be any outbreak here.
The Nimba lawmaker further underscores it is necessary that Liberians adhere to measures already announced which are surest ways of preventing the virus that is contracted by people-to-people contacts and is airborne.The lawmaker notes that upon hearing news about the outbreak of the virus, members of the House are troubled.
He discloses that thereafter, Representative Dixon Sebo of Montserrado County Electoral District #16 communicated with the Plenary of the House, requesting it to invite the Minister of Health, Dr. Willimina Jallah, to appear before that body to explain in detail measures being instituted to avoid an outbreak in Liberia.H adds that doing discussion, the Minister of Health was advised to properly screen travelers coming from China and neighboring countries.
Representative Somwarbi continues that adequate public awareness and education at different levels of society will better prepare Liberians in taking the necessary preventive measures to save their lives.
He recommends that emergency health response units be deployed at all border points of entry into the country to ensure the virus does not enter Liberia.
Health authorities here thru the National Public Health Institute of Liberia say vigilant surveillance is in place at the Roberts International Airport in Margibi County and entry points to screen travelers arriving into the country.By Emmanuel Mondaye–Editing by Jonathan Browne
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