(MONROVIA, Liberia, June 25, 2021) The Minister of Health Dr Wilhelmina Jallah has welcome decision by the Government and people of Japan through Ambassador H.E HIMENO Tsutomu to  launch two programmes to strengthen the delivery of routine health services in health facilities and communities during COVID-19 and improving cold chain management worth US$ 2,499,900:00.

These two programmes fundings are part of Japan’s support to the Government of Liberia’s efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic through partnership with UNICEF.

The project strengthening routine health services in health facilities and communities programmes will be implemented in Montserrado and Margibi counties and aimed at benefiting over 43,000 children and 12,000 pregnant women in over 150 communities, while improving the cold chain programme will equip 190 health facilities with cold chain equipment and train 245 technicians and health workers to provide services for over 400,000 beneficiaries.

Speaking at the handover of the projects documents, Health Minister Wilhelmina Jallah lauded the people of Japan through its Ambassador including UNICEF in ensuring that Liberia becomes a recipient of the Integrated health project and Cold chain system.

She noted that the launch of the projects is very important to the Government of Liberia’s continued fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The energetic Health Minister indicated that the Government attaches great importance to the protection of its citizens, especially with the strengthening of the integrated health and Cold chain system projects.

“This launch is in time” indicated by Minister Jallah.  She assured the Japanese Government that the projects will go a long way in strengthening the health sector and ably responding to the growing waves of the pandemic across the Country.

However, the Government of Japan’s main thematic priorities have remained EPI/Polio, Cold Chain system strengthening, provision of Health, WASH, Nutrition and Birth registration services to the most vulnerable population

“We thank the Government of Japan for its continued cooperation with UNICEF to support the children in Liberia during this global pandemic,” said Laila O. Gad, UNICEF Representative to Liberia. “UNICEF will continue to work closely with the Government of Liberia, UN agencies and partners, to ensure the health system in the country is well equipped, and health workers are well trained to respond appropriately to the threats of COVID-19.”

With this funding, UNICEF will continue its support to the Government of Liberia in its efforts to combat COVID-19 through the provision of cold chain equipment, strengthening the health system and building the capacities of the service providers. 

Signed:________________________

            Felecia Gbesioh

            Director of Communication

            Ministry of Health, R. L.

(June 23 2021, Monrovia, Liberia)— The Ministry of Health has designated the Monrovia City Hall, Paynesville City Hall and the old Heath Ministry on Capitol bye pass as venues for first dose of  the AstraZeneca  Immunization.

The general public is encouraged to use those mentioned venues to get vaccinated instead of the previous vaccination site at the Ministry in Congo Town.

Meanwhile, second phase of the Vaccine is being Administered at the following facilities: J.D.J, Redemption, J.F.K, UN clinics, ELWA, 14 Military, SOS, and Catholic

However, The Ministry of Health is seriously concerned with this new increase in the number of COVID-19 cases; as such, the Ministry encourages the general public to continuously follow all health measures announced by the Minister of Health, Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah, few days ago.

Signed: __________________________

           Felecia Gbesioh

           Director of Communications

           Ministry of Health, R.L.

(June 11, 2021, Monrovia, Liberia)—The Ministry of Health (MOH) through the COVID-19 Incident Management system (IMS) confirms that there are increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.

 “Within the past three days, we have had about 171 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Liberia,” Dr. Francis Kateh, Liberia’s Chief Medical Officer, disclosed.

The COVID-19 update was provided on Thursday, June 9, 2021, in the Ministry’s conference room.

Giving the new variant of transmission among the populace, about 120, 000 COVID-19 TESTs have been conducted; with 2,453 confirmed cases to date (June 9, 2021), 608 of these confirmed in 2021, 300 active cases as of June 9, 2021, 92 confirmed COVID-19 deaths, 28 cases (21 confirmed and 7-suspects) in treatment unit and 89 cases are managed in home based care, while 2,058 persons have recovered, according to Dr. Jerry Brown, a member of the IMS.

“There is an active investigation on new cases and their contacts. This includes active case finding, testing and contact tracing

There is also increased surveillance to identify any new potential cases of this issue,” Dr. Brown.

The Ministry of Health is seriously concerned with this new increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, as Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah has beseeched Liberians to continuously follow all health measures instituted by H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia.

She said wearing a mask, social distancing, constant hand washing, among other COVID-19 preventive measures should be seen as the national anthem by all that would guarantee the minimization of the exponential spread of the noxious Coronavirus pandemic.

“We are forgetting this time around that COVID-19 exists among us: drivers, program organizers and others are among those breaching the protocols by taking more passengers or having mass gatherings”, Dr. Jallah said

The Minister has also stressed the importance for the public to voluntarily avail themselves for COVID-19 Testing and vaccination: “Now, first phase of the vaccines is being conducted only at the Ministry of Health, while the second phase is being administered at the first locations: J.D.J, Redemption, J.F.K, UN clinics, ELWA, 14 Military, SOS, and Catholic hospitals are few health facilities you go for your second dose.”

The Ministry is aware that there will be many travelers coming into Liberia from all parts of the world. While the Ministry does not recommend any travel restrictions, it also recommends all incoming and outgoing individuals take additional precautions to prevent COVID-19. All in coming travelers must present a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test result upon arrival at the airport and borders in Liberia. All incoming travelers will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival in Liberia. Outgoing travelers must show proof of a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test results within 3 days of their departure flight.

Signed: __________________________

           Felecia Gbesioh

           Director of Communications

           Ministry of Health, R.L.

Liberia’s Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah has called on Liberian Journalists to be investigative and proactive with their respective reportage, especially when it comes to reporting on the Country’s health sector. “When reporting on health activities in our country, please make sure both sides of the story are balanced before reporting”, Dr. Jallah told scores of Journalists at a day long media training organized by the Liberia Media Initiative, recently.

As inaccurate beliefs pose a threat to any health sector and fake news represents a particularly egregious and direct avenue through which inaccurate beliefs have been propagated via some media outlets in the country, she believed reporting on the sector should always do their facts checking in order to avoid spewing out misinformation to the general public.

“Whenever you are reporting on activities of the Country’s health system, please make sure you get both sides of the story before reporting. Persistence of misinformation is not good for our health sector because when audience generates reasons in supporting the initial information, it would lead to them taking the wrong decision. So, let’s do our fact checking”, she averred.

The factors underlying effective messages to counter beliefs are based on misinformation. Reporting on the Country’s health sector, which is one of the major components of the country’s governance system, journalists reporting from here should do their facts checking before spewing it out to the general public, because misinformation about the sector can lead to poor decisions about consequential matters and is persistent and difficult to correct.

In lieu of the supra, the energetic Health Minister used the occasion to encouraged journalists to always reach out to individuals responsible when seeking information about the Ministry. “We want to encourage you to reach out to the Ministry anytime you want information. Our doors are opened; anytime you call us we will answer, including our counties health team offices, please contact them also for those information you need for the betterment of our country.

Meanwhile, providing clarity on the AstraZeneca COVAX Vaccines, Dr.  Jallah disclosed that the vaccines received by Liberia were produced in India instead of Oxford. The COVAX is a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines directed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the World Health Organization (WHO). It is one of the three pillars of the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator, the initiative begun in April 2020 by the WHO, the European Commission, and the government of France as a respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

As a public health response strategy, the Ministry of Health (MOH) wrote for both ethical and regulatory approvals through the National Research Ethics Board of Liberia (NREB) and the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA) based on an official request by the Ministry of Health (MoH). They make sure that individuals who agree to take the vaccine are protected from the harmful effects of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19).  If you wish to find about more about the vaccination exercise in Liberia, please call Adolphus Trokon Clarke, Director, Expanded Programme on Immunization on +231777024582 / +231886560846.

Introduction

We are vaccinators and health workers, working with the Ministry of Health.

We are inviting you to take part in this vaccination response. We had a meeting with community leaders and members and told them about this vaccination exercise. You do not have to decide today about taking part. You can talk about it first with your friends, family, elders, or the vaccination team before reaching your decision. If you are pregnant and decide to be vaccinated, please consult with your physician.  If you do not wish to take part, even if your physician agrees, we will not vaccinate you. You can agree to receive the vaccine by signing your name or providing a thumbprint on the consent/assent form. We ask for your agreement but will also ask for the agreement of your physician. Additionally, if you are above 18 years and decided to receive the vaccine, please consult with your parent or guardian.  If you do not wish to take part, even if your parent agrees, we will not vaccinate you. You can agree to receive the vaccine by signing your name or providing a thumbprint on the consent/assent form. We ask for your agreement but will also ask for the agreement of your parent or guardian before you can take part. To help you to decide, first, we will explain what is involved. Please ask if you do not understand. If you have questions later, you can also contact us.

What is Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19)?

COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2.  WHO first learned of this new virus on 31 December 2019, following a report of a cluster of cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China. The COVID-19 is the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. This is severe disease caused by a small organism which is not visible, called a virus. The community has likely already discussed this with you.

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19)?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Fatigue

Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include:

• Loss of taste or smell,
• Nasal congestion,
• Conjunctivitis (also known as red eyes)
• Sore throat,
• Headache,
• Muscle or joint pain,
• Different types of skin rash,
• Nausea or vomiting,
• Diarrhea,
• Chills or dizziness.

Symptoms of severe COVID‐19 disease include:

• Shortness of breath,
• Loss of appetite,
• Confusion,
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest,
• High temperature (above 38 °C).

Other less common symptoms are:

• Irritability,
• Confusion,
• Reduced consciousness (sometimes associated with seizures),
• Anxiety,
• Depression,
• Sleep disorders,
• More severe and rare neurological complications such as strokes, brain inflammation, delirium and nerve damage.

People of all ages who experience fever and/or cough associated with difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, or loss of speech or movement should seek medical care immediately. If possible, call your health care provider, hotline or health facility first, so you can be directed to the right clinic.

What is the purpose of this vaccine?

Many cases of coronavirus (covid-19) have been confirmed in Liberia. You have been approached for a vaccine because of the risk of contracting the disease, your residence, work, or other possible contacts with a confirmed case. This public health response uses four delivery strategies (Fixed, Temporary, Outreach, and Mobile) to vaccinate segment of the population in the following categories:

• Healthcare workers
• Elderly (60+)
• People with underlining health conditions
• Others (i.e., people would cannot physically or socially distance given the work or tasks being performed

The vaccine was tested in more than 10 000 persons in several countries in Europe, Africa and the United States and was found to be safe for use. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the vaccine is safe and that its benefits outweigh the risk.

What is the procedure for receiving vaccine?

A qualified vaccinator/health worker will speak with you to see if you meet the conditions to be vaccinated. Before the vaccination process, a psychosocial counselor will explain to you the important benefits associated with the vaccine and its side effects. At the vaccination visit, a clean needle and syringe will be used to give one dose of a vaccine into the upper part of your arm. After vaccination, we will observe you for 30 minutes for any problems. If you feel sick after the vaccination, please call the hotline number 4455 or you can call this number (0777024582) we will provide you with an on-call doctor available 24 hours. Because we are not completely sure that the vaccine will protect you from Ebola you must try to stay away from being infected with Ebola. So, do not do the following things: touching body fluids (blood, vomit, saliva, urine, and faeces), stay in direct physical contact with bodies of patients (dead or alive), touch the bedsheets, cloth, clothes, meal plates, or share bed and/or dishes of a sick person.

Can I choose not to take the vaccine?

Yes. The choice is yours.  Whether you choose to say “yes” or “no” is up to you and your rights will be respected. 

Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

No, you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The vaccine is against COVID-19 and cannot cause COVID-19. However, some people that get the vaccine might already have been infected with COVID-19. They might develop signs of COVID-19 after they have been given the anti-COVID-19 vaccine.  For them the vaccine did not give protection.

What happen to people who get COVID-19?

Among those who develop symptoms, most (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing hospital treatment. About 15% become seriously ill and require oxygen and 5% become critically ill and need intensive care. Complications leading to death may include respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis and septic shock, thromboembolism, and/or multiorgan failure, including injury of the heart, liver, or kidneys. In rare situations, children can develop severe inflammatory syndrome a few weeks after infection.

How many people will be given this vaccine?

We currently hoping to vaccinate in phases about 52% of our total population so that we can achieve herd immunity. We will aim to vaccinate those persons to help prevent COVID-19, and then we will also aim to vaccinate everyone in the target group, to prevent further spread of the disease in addition to the current IPC measures. Anyone 18 years and above can be considered for vaccination.

What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?

Receiving the injection might hurt a little. You will feel a pinch with the needle. It can make your arm have slight muscle aches. It might also make you feel pain at the injection site, give you a little fever (mild high temperature of about 37.8⁰C), swelling, or bruising at the injection site. This should not last too long. You may have redness or bruising where you got the shot for a few days, and there is a very small chance of infection at that spot. You might not feel any of these things. Since this is still an investigational vaccine it may cause other changes that may hurt or bother you that we do not know about. People can have allergic reactions to vaccines, including hives, trouble breathing, or other allergic responses. This is very rare but is also a possible effect of these vaccines. There may be other side effects that may be severe or life-threatening. If you have a fever, doctors can test to see if you have COVID-19 or something else and give you treatment if needed. If you get a fever after receiving the vaccine, you should immediately contact the contact tracing and/or the telephone numbers provided.

(March 15, 2021, Tappita City, Nimba)—The Liberian government through the Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with New Sight Eye Center on March 13, 2021 concluded a free rural surgical Cataracts outreach at the Jackson F. Doe Regional Referral Hospital in Tappita, Nimba County.

The Project is the first of four outreaches in rural Liberia, and it is fully funded by Samaritan Purse while New Sight Eye Canter is serving as implementing partner.

A surgical team comprising four Liberian Surgeons headed by Liberia’s National Eye Health Program Manager Dr. Joseph L. Kerkula of Ministry of Health was dispatched from Monrovia March 1, 2021 for the twelve-day project.

The arrival of the team in Tappita at the Jackson F. Doe Regional Referral Hospital coincided with the visitation meeting with Dr. Benjamin Harris, President of the Liberia College of physician and Grant Manager of Lion Club Foundation.

During the brief meeting Dr. Joseph L. Kerkula used the occasion to thank both Samaritan Purse and the New Sight Eye Canter for their tremendous supports to the Liberia’s Health sector, noting that the project will serve as monument for the citizens in the region.

For his part, Dr. John Tamba, Acting Executive Chief Office of the Jackson F. Doe Regional Referral Hospital, lauded the efforts of SP and NSEC for the preferred of Jackson F. Doe Regional Referral Hospital in Tappita.

Dr. Joseph stated that move will serve as luminary scars on the minds and faces of the entire Nimba County.

The meeting which is considered to be an iconic and must celebrated beginning of Eye-surgery in the region, was attended by New Sight Eye Canter’s program Manager Madam N’Chung M. Eben and Madam Yassa Darwolo among others of Samaritan Purse.

However, Henry Wongbeh, a 63-year old man narrated that he got blind as the result of working extensively on his Cocoa farm in Yorpea Nimba mid of 2016.

He stated that his condition of blindness worsened weeks later after the incident occurred.

According to him, he believed he was made blind by some witch in the area because of his Cocoa plantation.

The 63 years old father of 8, grandpa of 6, noted that after the unfortunate incident begins using traditional medicines and in order to curb the situation.  

Mr.Wongbeh said due to his condition he abandoned all his farming activities and begins sitting home all along in the village when everyone else goes on the farm for 5-years.

Henry pointed out that his children consistent stealing of his Cocoa and his anxiousness to continue serving God prompted him to have gone for the surgery upon hearing the news on air.

‘’Getting my eyeball back my son is the wonder of God, ’’ Mr. Wongbeh said Liberian English.

He praised the project team and rained blessings on them for the sacrifices made by extending the outreach service to Nimba.

Bill Gbormia-25 years old: “Cataract is not prominent among young people meanly in their 20s. But Bill Gbormia’s case is extraordinarily mind-boggling.”

 Bill told the project’s media team that, the week of his unfortunate loss of his both parents in a tragic accident turned out to be the same week he lost his both sights to particles of cement bags he was lifting in late 2015.

Bill said during the time of his illness, his 3 siblings including 16 half brothers and sisters totalling 19 abandoned, neglected and outcaste him except for his senior brother he currently stays with.

Gbormia who comes from one of Liberia’s tribal groups Geo in Tappita, Nimba County, narrated that the painful condition and peer-bullied pushed him several times to attempt committing suicide.

He said taking his life would have been the best solution to his problem, but each time he attempted doing so God would intervened by speaking to him to stop.

The bilateral-cataract man Gbormia’s facial appearance, with his overgrown finger and toe nails, and recent rough hair and bear shaved, coupled with mushroom mole covering his teeth showed that Bill was actually living in total captivity and neglect.

25 years old Bill described the coming of the surgical team to Nimba as a miracle he has long awaited fasted and praised for.

Bill named his inability to identified colours, light, walk in and out of bed, even the food he used to eat among others as things he really wish he had eyes to see.

‘’I never use to see anything with my two eyes in the town (the village), people use to laugh at me, I was looking like fun box, the mean thing da used to make me cry is no woman wanted me’’. Bill told me in Liberian colloquial with an exciting smile on his face as we walked in the corridor of the hospital.

Gbormia asserted further that regaining his both sights is a lifelong joy and authentication of God’s existence and vowed to dedicate his life to the work of God.

‘’I going home to serve God find one fine girl, so I can start to born my children and make my farm’’ The 25 years said to me as we parted company during his discharge from the Hospital when his both eyes were restored .

Love Leeway-26 yrs old: “Born and raised in Butuo Nimba County May 8, 1995 is Love Leeway who had bilateral-cataract for 10-years.”

Love said she woke up one morning and noticed her both eyes began to itch and tears begin rolling down her cheeks, that’s when she noticed her eyes wouldn’t see no more.

Leeway said the incident occurred in Tappita where she had gone to stay with her mother’s friend, because her father died and her single mother couldn’t carter to the rest of all 7 siblings.

After the incident Love said her mother’s friend retuned her (Love) to her mom because her condition was worsening.

‘’I was in 4^th grade, I have to drop from school because when I go to school anything the teachers them write on the blackboard I can’t see one’’. Love said in broken-Liberian English.

Love informed me that she has given birth 3-times and 2 of her children passed away and one is currently alive.

The 26 years old girl with tears rolling down her eyes and a faint light seems not to be penetrating her eye lenses narrated that, that two of the children’s father broke up with her and abandoned her along with one of the children, on the instruction of his mother due to her unbearable condition.

‘’His ma say he mum leave me, because I blind, I can’t  see and her son have to go Monrovia and go to school than to be behind  blind girl like me’’. Her voice began to hallo as she struggled expressing her pains in plain English for my understanding.

When asked how she was impregnated 3-times in roll, the 26-years woman said, due to her blindness men in the village took advantage of her situation and several times had unwanted sex withher when everyone had gone on the farm.

Something she said led to her loss of her virginity and her gettingpregnant several times.

‘’I used to cry every day, I used to be thinking that my life finish na and I have no reason to live’’. Love shackled as I managed to quench my petty for her (Love) by flipping the pages of my notebook.

she intoned that she never believed God ever existed but, regaining her 10-years of lost sights to bilateral cataracts shows that there exists a God that cares, and using Samaritan Purse to show his infinite love that has for people.

‘’The way I can see now, I going to serve God and go back to school.’’ Love said further as I concluded my interview with her after her multiple eye surgeries the next day. 

She used the medium to eulogized Samaritan Purse, New Sight Eye Center and the team of Liberian surgeons for their great and Monumental work and giving her back dignity and proud amongst people.

In conclusion, the project previously targeted ninety Cataracts surgeries but due to the team’s hard work and relentless commitment to the job, was able to performed 105 surgeries out of 1800 persons who were screened and pre-screened from March 2-13, 2021.

Signed: ________________________________

           Felecia Gbesioh

           Director of Communications, MOH, R.L.