Monrovia – Liberia has made headway with its COVID-19 vaccination having fully vaccinated 70% of the total eligible population since March 2021, when the vaccination programme kicked off. Robust coordination between the government and its partners, an effective COVID-19 steering committee and multiple mass vaccination campaigns have contributed to the country’s success.
Now the country is ensuring that its most vulnerable people are protected from severe illness, hospitalization and death from the virus. Efforts are underway to achieve high levels of vaccination among high-priority groups, including health workers, older adults over 60, people with co-morbidities and refugees and displaced people.
The school is situated just outside Bahn Refugee Camp, which is home to around 10 000 refugees who fled post-electoral violence in Côte d’Ivoire more than a decade ago.
The school, which offers education to both Liberian and refugee children, is one of the sites offering community- based COVID-19 vaccination.
“I was being hunted by rebels,” he says, recounting a treacherous experience fleeing to neighbouring Liberia for safety. “I still fear for my life. This is the reason I have not made any efforts to go back home,” he says resolutely.
Partners such as the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) is supporting efforts by World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure that people like Manhan are not left behind in the country’s efforts to protect vulnerable populations from severe impacts of the virus.
“However, my wife went ahead to get her jab, and nothing changed. She has remained very healthy. I then decided to get vaccinated, and I am happy I did,” he says, proudly displaying his COVID-19 certificate.
“People who have taken the vaccine are well and healthy, including pregnant women. I am very convinced that the vaccines are safe,” she says confidently.
“WHO recognizes the strong collaboration and partnership with ECHO that has contributed to increasing vaccine uptake. The critical role of Nimba’s local authorities, as well as ownership of the process by the communities, was instrumental in ensuring communities in Nimba are protected against COVID-19,” says Dr Peter Clement, WHO Representative in Liberia. “If we continue in this manner, Liberia will make even greater strides in its efforts to protect the people who call it home.”
Communications Officer
Phone : (266) 590 17166
Email: nangwalel [at] who.int (nangwalel[at]who[dot]int)
Communications and marketing officer
Tel: + 242 06 520 65 65 (WhatsApp)
Email: boakyeagyemangc [at] who.int (boakyeagyemangc[at]who[dot]int)