Monrovia 9 April, 2014: Following reported 22 suspected and 5 confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease, including 10 deaths from the 24th of March 2014 to present, Liberia has been scaling up activities to prevent further spread of Ebola. The Minister of Health and Social Welfare has established the National Task Force to coordinate Ebola outbreak response in the country. The Task Force meets on a daily basis to give updates on progress made, challenges and opportunities in prevention and control of the disease.

The President of Liberia, Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf attended the National Task Force on Ebola high level briefing chaired by the Honorable Minister of Health. The meeting was also graced by the presence of the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Acting Minister of Information, US Ambassador, WHO Representative, Senior MoHSW officers, Directors and Development Partners.

In her remarks, the President expressed profound appreciation to the Task Force for its hard work, determination and response to the epidemic when it was first reported in the country.

In particular, she commended the technical support provided by partners especially WHO in putting in place the necessary structures to prevent and control the disease. “All of you must be effective, to curb and combat the disease. I therefore urge the entire population to follow advice given by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Partner because we are dealing with a deadly disease, the cooperation of all citizens is necessary”, she said.

The Minister of Health thanked WHO, UNICEF, CDC, MSF for daily briefs. He also indicated that the Minister of Information facilitated daily briefs to the cabinet members on efforts undertaken on Ebola outbreak response.

The WR highlighted that the Regional Director, Dr. Luis G. Sambo remains committed and supportive, and has expressed his sympathy on the Ebola situation in Liberia. However, WHO has contributed significantly in providing a team of experts to enhance management of the epidemic.

He went on to describe areas that are critical in prevention and control of Ebola namely, fear, panic and denial across the population. Dr. Ndayimirije ended up by encouraging the general public to take precautionary measures in minimizing risk factors associated with the transmission of the disease.

US Ambassador stressed contribution made by WHO in providing accurate information and medical advice about the disease. She indicated that the US government will continue to give support in laboratory facilities under the auspices of USAID. In her concluding remarks, she encouraged all to work together and ensure that Ebola outbreak is stopped.