Israel Holds Workshop On Emergency Disaster And Accident Management

The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Israeli government on June 19th, 2019 started a week long workshop aimed at training health workers in how to respond to emergency disaster and accident management in the country. The workshop which is being held at the Redemption Hospital in New Kru Town by the County Health Division of the Ministry of Health.

The workshop brought together officers from the Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, Liberia National Drugs Enforcement Agency, Liberia National Fire Service and other government agencies.

According to Dr. Francis N. Kateh Deputy Minister for Health Services and Chief Medical Officer of Liberia, the workshop will enhance the skills of the participants in the area of emergency accident and disaster management.

The Liberia Chief Medical Officer making remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Health, cautioned participants of the workshop to see the training as a golden opportunity to equip and prepare them for future emergency incidents.

Dr. Kateh noted that no knowledge acquired is wasted, adding that the knowledge he had acquired over the years which he thought would have never been used was what he brought on board during the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in 2014.

It can be recalled in 2014 the health sector of the country came under serious attack by the Ebola virus that claimed the lives of many Liberians.

The virus which came as a strange outbreak of disease in the country’s health sector was immediately fought with straight measures that quickly curb the virus.

Speaking during the opening session of the workshop, the Representative of the embassy of Israel MASHAV Officer Madam Dana Chocron lauds the government of Liberia for embracing the Israelis government own efforts in the Liberia health sector.

According to Madam Chocron the friendship between Liberia and Israel has been a longstanding one. Meanwhile, Dr. Kateh lauds the people and government of Israel for their support and hope that the longstanding friendship continue on good footing.

Ministry of Health Receives 10 Vehicles From The World Bank

Liberia’s health sector on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 received a significant boost after the World Bank presented 10 vehicles to the Ministry of Health. The vehicles which includes Toyota Land Cruisers and Nissan Patrols are valued over four hindered thousand United States Dollars.

World Bank Senior Health Specialist, Dr. Munirat Ogunlayi said it was a joyous day for the bank with the presentation of such vehicles. Dr. Ogunlayi appealed that the vehicles be properly maintained and used for the purpose intended. Also receiving the keys of the vehicles, Deputy Health Minister for Administration, Norwu Howard, thanked the World Bank for the donation and promised that they would be used for the intended purpose. Minister Howard also assured that users of the vehicles will be held accountable to ensure proper maintenance. Minister Howard said investing resources behind health programs and indicators demonstrate a strong desire of the Bank to boosts indicators and capacitate the health workers.

Earlier, World Bank Representative in the Ministry of Health, Matthew Flomo announced that the vehicles were made available under the Health System Strengthening Project. Three of the vehicles will be used by the Community Health Assistance Program, two by the Nursing and Midwifery Division and the remaining five of the vehicles will be used the Performance Base Financing interventions at both central and in three counties including Gbarpolu, Rivercess and Sinoe.

Signed: Sorbor George/Communication Consultant/MOH

Operation Restore Hope Center Underway

Government of Liberia and Oum El Nour Tour the newly Proposed Rehabilitation Site in Grand Bassa County

Health Minister Dr. Wilhemina Jallah along with Grand Bassa County Representative Hans Barchue, Bishop Guy Paul Noujaim, (President and Co-founder of Oum El Nour, Liberia-OENL), and other members of the OENL board toured the newly proposed drug and alcohol rehabilitation site-in Grand Bassa county on Saturday, June 1st. 

The Government of Liberia has initiated a partnership with Oum El Nour, a non-governmental organization from Lebanon to construct the drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Grand Bassa County.  The proposed name for the rehabilitation center is “Operation Restore Hope”, a name given by the challenged Youth of Liberia.

The official launch is expected to take place by H.E. President George M. Weah.  Government stakeholders for this initiative include the Ministries of Health, Youth & Sports, Finance and Development Planning, and Public Works.

The center, when completed will rehabilitate, provide drug/alcohol detoxification as well as collaborate with agencies and partners for re-integration into the society. The rehabilitation program at the newly proposed center will also transform lives by training and providing those enrolled in the program with skill-building opportunities to help make them independent and productive citizens.

Minister Jallah thanked OENL for the laudable initiative and said the project is a part of President Weah’s cherished programs to help transform people struggling with alcohol, drugs and other forms of substance abuse as well as provide them with useful training skills for subsequent integration into various communities in Liberia.

The Health Minister went on to further express her gratitude on behalf of the Liberian Government to the World Lebanese Cultural Union in Liberia and their sponsors for taking the initiative to partner with the Liberian government to make a difference in the lives of the Liberian people.

Grand Bassa County Representative Hans Barchue also lauded the initiative made by the Lebanese community in Liberia and pledged the county full support to its achievement.   

OEN President and co-founder Bishop Noujaim expressed gratitude to President Weah and his government for the land space and reaffirmed his organization commitment to the realization of the program.

Bishop Noujaim said he was motivated by the timely and positive response of the President toward efforts aimed at transforming people on drugs and alcohol.