Plan International warns against complacency

Plan International Liberia is warning that the gains achieved in the Ebola fight here could be reversed once complacency is shown towards the best practices and measures to prevent the virus. 

Acting Country Director Nkie Espouse Mbitimeh Judith, speaking through a release, explained: “Whilst we were celebrating at least 27 days without a new case, last week our hopes dashed with a new confirmed case currently admitted and receiving treatment in the country”.

 She made the assertion Monday March 23, when Plan commemorated Ebola one year with all staff observing a minute of silent. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially announced the Ebola outbreak in Conakry, Guinea 23rd March 2014. The Ebola Virus Disease spread to Lofa and was confirmed in Liberia.

 “The deadly plague has really devastated Liberia, killing thousands of our people, including children, nurses, doctors and our loved ones”, she added. 

According to her, with the new confirmed case, it shows that Ebola is not over yet until Guinea and Sierra Leone are completely free without a single case.

Noting further, the Acting Country Director said Plan International lauds efforts and support it continues to receive from the Regional Office in Dakar, National organizations and Plan International Head Quarters enabling the Liberia Team to combat the deadly Ebola virus. 

 “Our team has been reinforced with deployed staff from Plan worldwide and other Nongovernmental Organizations. This has made our Ebola Emergency response to mobilize a total of 6 million United State Dollars to support the Liberian government to fight the deadly Ebola virus”, Judith averred.

She thanked the organization’s major donors, including USAID/OFDA, CIDA, SIDA, Exxon Mobil, DEC and Netherlands Government as well as NORAD, DFAT, GFFO and DFATD, among others. 

“They are therefore making a strong commitment to continue their resource mobilization efforts to reach their target of 10 million United States dollars”, she maintained.

 Judith extolled her colleagues for their respective roles in the fight against Ebola and paid homage to loved ones who died as well as survivals of the deadly plague.

 “Let’s continue to prevent ourselves, educate our brothers and sisters about the danger of the virus and reiterate the importance of complying strictly with the basic principles of safety measures” she urged.