UNDP gives to Ebola orphans, survivors

Over sixty Ebola orphans and survivors in the Township of West Point Tuesday received and solar Lanterns from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The distribution of the sixty-four (64) solar radios and Panasonic solar Lanterns was in continuation of the UNDP’s endeavor to help Ebola survivors and orphans have access to information and provide light in their homes.

“Ebola was defeated here in West Point and we went to keep it that way, we don’t want Ebola back….We have said bye-bye to Ebola and we should remain like that….” Let’s keep doing what we did very well…keep the hygiene practices…the hand washing and other practices very well…” UNDP Country Director Dr. Kamil Kamaluddeen said Tuesday at a brief distribution program of the solar radios and lanterns in the Township of West Point.

Dr. Kamaluddeen told the people of West Point to continue to report all manner of sicknesses that will be seen in their community. He said the gathering shows how communities can overcome obstacles and challenges when they work together. “When we hide than it becomes a problem, but when we work together we can achieve…You are living evidence of working together…” Dr. Kamaluddeen said. 

He said Ebola has now taught some important hygienic lessons that everyone needs to keep applying in their daily lives. He said the disease has also taught a lesson of community members being their ‘brother’s keepers’. He told the community members to use the presence of the Ebola survivors to strengthen their faith, because they are now immune to the virus.

The UNDP Country Director said the items were procured through one of the many strong partnerships that the UNDP enters to bring support to people. The solar radios and lanterns were procured by Lifeline Energy, a South African based NGO, and the Japan based, Panasonic Corporation, one of the leading producers of electronic and other products. 

“At the United Nations Development Programme, our business is to support the people and the society…If you look at our tagline you’ll see, Empowered lives, Resilient nations, that is our logo…So we work with the people, we work with the government, the NGOs and civil society organizations…” Dr. Kamaluddeen said. 

Vexter Doe spoke on behalf of the Ebola survivors and orphans in the township. “We like to say thank you to the UNDP family, let God bless you and add to the work of your hands…” she said. Vexter said the Ebola crisis greatly affected them and they are in serious need of every form of support and assistance to move ahead with their lives. George Kollie also spoke for the male survivors and orphans and expressed appreciation to UNDP.

Gabriel Nebo, Chief Investigator of the Township West Point welcomed the UNDP team to the township and expressed appreciation for the support to the orphans and survivors in the community. West Point is one of the Ebola hotspots in Montserrado County with over one hundred (100) survivors and orphans.

Josiah Toe, West Point Ebola Taskforce Field Coordinator said as schools are about to open, the survivors and orphans in the community continuously confront the Taskforce for support.