By Naneka A. Hoffman
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has donated a variety of essential materials to the Liberia National Red Cross Society, further enhancing its capacity to respond to humanitarian crises.
Items donated include thermal blankets, sleeping mats, heavy-duty plastic buckets, laundry soap, plastic tarpaulins, hand gloves, mosquito nets, solar lamps, and dry-erase boards, crucial in meeting the needs of vulnerable communities and addressing disaster situations across the country.
Making the presentation recently in Monrovia, UNHCR Country
Representative Antony Akumu Abogi, praised the Liberia National Red Cross Society for being the country’s emergency face, adding that the donation is aimed at supporting the Red Cross, which has an extensive reach in areas affected by disasters.
He noted numerous emergencies occurring across the country, mentioning the Totota tragedy has claimed many lives and resulted to injuries and property damage.
The UNHCR Country Rep lauded the warm reception of refugees by the people of Liberia, especially host communities.
Mr. Akumu Abogi noted that some of the items donated could be used to aid the victims’ families.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]
However, he said the collaborative efforts between the UNHCR and the Liberian Red Cross are essential in addressing humanitarian needs of Liberians.
In receiving the donation, LNRCS Secretary General, Gregory T. Blamoh, expressed gratitude to the UNHCR for the generous gesture.
Mr. Blamoh acknowledged the long-standing collaboration between the
Liberian Red Cross and the UNHCR, describing the donation as a timely and perfect intervention.
He revealed that at the moment, the Red Cross is actively intervening in the Totota tragedy, providing support to affected families and hospitals, adding that surgical gowns have been donated to hospitals treating victims, showcasing the ongoing commitment of both organizations to alleviate the suffering of those affected by emergencies.
The UNCHR boss emphasized the critical need for additional support to respond to the increasing complexity of humanitarian needs of communities affected by disaster. Editing by Jonathan Browne
