By: Frank P. Martin
MONROVIA: Country Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) to Liberia, Dr. Peter Clement, says his commitment to President George Manneh Weah to seeing a resilient health sector in Liberia is becoming a reality after making enormous contributions to the sector.
“I made this promise to the President of the Republic of Liberia H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, to continuously support the health sector with health equipment that would make Liberia’s system strong and accessible for all,” the WHO Represented recounted.
According to Dr. Clement, while it is true there are still issues confronting the overall health delivery system of Liberia, the country has made significant gains in combating global health crises and other health emergencies.
He referenced the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2014 Ebola outbreak, and many others as health fights the nation have overcome in collaboration with global partners.
“Liberia has made impact at both national and international level in responding to global health emergencies, which we are proud of as World Health Authority,” Dr. Clement expressed.
He made these remarks on Tuesday during a handover ceremony of two ambulances along with a Land Cruiser Pickup, worth over US$130,000 to the Ministry of Health to enhance its mobility.
The donation, according to the WHO, is meant to support Liberia’s infectious disease center and the management of COVID-19 and other diseases that may be in the making at the center.
“This will strengthen the health system and the infectious disease center as well serve beyond the cases of COVID-19,” Dr. Clement noted.
He further indicated that the vehicles will enhance the country’s health system, thereby strengthening case management which is critical: “We think that this support is a critical one to boost Liberia’s health sector”.
Clement believes that by now everyone is aware that there are almost 10 oxygen plants in the country that need to be coordinated.
The vehicles, he said, were bought by the general contribution of the Government and people of Germany.
“We are grateful to the government of Germany for this kind of support to Liberia. While COVID-19 is no more public health emergency for international concern, he reiterated that the declaration does not mean that it is over.”
Dr. Clement also clarified that the land cruiser Pick-up will be used to coordinate the oxygen plants from one point to another in the country. “COVID-19 is yet to be over; something needs to be addressed in an integrated way which remains critical in helping routine services,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, German Ambassador accredited near Monrovia, Dr. Jakob Haselhuber mentioned that the Liberian health system has suffered many shocks in the past and in recent times. Haselhuber recalled that after the Ebola Virus Disease (EBVD) in 2014, the nation’s health system’s weaknesses were exposed.
He said his government with the support of its partners is determined to contributing and building a resilient health system in Liberia: “we prioritize key investment areas along with the building of emergency health care facilities across the country.”
The German Diplomat also noted that a critical element of a resilient health system is the ability to use the lessons learned and experiences from previous public health emergencies to inform and strengthen health capacities so as to prepare for future emergency.
He stated that those lessons from the 2014 to now highlight the critical importance of adequate preparedness for large outbreaks, especially in strengthening quality central health services and to ensure effective responses and continuity of routine health services during outbreaks.
Health Minister, Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah, acknowledging receipt of the ambulances, and said the Ministry was pleased for the supports and contribution from partners to the Liberian government.
“As you continue to contribute to Liberia’s system, we want to appreciate you on behalf of the government. We will use it to provide oxygen in and around Monrovia while the other plants are operating. And, the donation will be used to bring our filled and empty cylinder back and forth to make sure that every facility will not struggle from oxygen,” Dr. Jallah vowed.
