Sweden donates $2 Million to UN Joint Appeal

The Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Liberia, Ms. Ewa Nunes Sorenson, and the Officer in Charge, UNFPA Liberia Dr. Remi Sogunro at the signing ceremony in Monrovia. The Government of Sweden has provided 15 Million Swedish Krona, an equivalent of US$2 Million in support of the UN Joint Appeal to respond to the Ebola crisis in Liberia.

A press release issued in Monrovia says at a formal signing ceremony in Monrovia on Wednesday 29 October the Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Liberia, Ms. Ewa Nunes Sorenson, said Sweden was happy and proud to support the people of Liberia through the United Nations.

“Sweden is happy to contribute to efforts by the United Nations Population Fund to improve Sexual and Reproductive Health and reduce morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and girls and combat Gender based violence during the Ebola crisis in Liberia”, Ms. Sorenson said.

“Through this mechanism, we are also happy to support the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) to establish early case detection at community level around refugee camps as well as UN WOMEN’s contribution to social mobilization and strengthening of women’s network, as we know that a large part of the victims are women as they often care for the sick”, Ms. Sorensen added.

UNFPA Liberia Officer-In-Charge, Dr. Remi Sogunro, who signed on behalf of the UN said, “the global response to the Ebola crisis in West Africa has increased significantly in recent weeks, but there still remains a huge gap in stopping the spread of the virus, treat those who have been infected and ensure the provision of essential health services”.

“The support from the Government and people of Sweden is the first tangible support to the Joint UN Appeal. It is our hope that this SEK 15 million can be a catalyst for a rapid restoration of health and social services to the communities in dire need”, he said. Dr. Remi: “Ebola is not only having a heavy toll on women as care givers in hospitals or at home, but also as wives, individuals, mothers and givers of life.”

The ceremony was also witnessed by UNHCR Liberia Representative Khassim Diagne, who said, “UNHCR Liberia is very grateful to the Swedish Government for this significant contribution towards our preparedness and response activities in the refugee camps against Ebola.” In September 2014, the UN Resident Coordinator on behalf of the UN in Liberia launched an appeal for $500 Million to support the Government of Liberia’s response to the Ebola outbreak.