Monrovia, 22 April 2014 - The WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti has underscored the importance of involving the communities in the fight against Ebola.
Speaking to residents of Zuma town, Monrovia, one of the communities which were heavily affected by the Ebola virus disease, Dr Moeti commended the high level of involvement by the community and the tremendous efforts to stop Ebola in Liberia. “We admire your courage and ability to adjust to fight the disease because of your efforts we stand here today counting down for Liberia to be declared free of Ebola,” Dr Moeti said.

In her remarks, the Mayor of Monrovia Clara Mvogo appreciated the very important role the community played and she called on them to continue their positive behaviour practices for other non- Ebola related issues.

Welcoming the Regional Director, Honourable Alice Wear, and Governor of New Kru town expressed her gratitude on behalf of the community to WHO and other partners for the support in responding to the Ebola virus disease outbreak.

“As a community, we are working together to fight the enemy-Ebola, WHO and other partners came to support us and that is why we achieved so much and that is why you see smiles on our faces today”. 

Like other communities in Liberia, Zuma Town was organized into blocks and zones and supported to conduct intensive public awareness and education with active case finding to ensure no case was missed.

A representative of Ebola survivors pointed out the challenges faced by survivors including stigma and discrimination. “I stand here today pronounced as the last survivor from the ETU’ and I want to thank WHO for standing with us during the difficult period. As survivors, we appeal to you to help us to rebuild our lives in order for us to settle back our communities by providing educational opportunities and empowerment packages”. 

The Regional Director thanked the community for sharing their insights and experiences and urged them to continue with efforts to prevent Ebola and other diseases.

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For more information contact:

Dr Alex Gasasira WHO Representative + 231775281157 Gasasiraa [at] who.int (Gasasiraa[at]who[dot]int) 
Nora Mweemba Communications Officer +231770441268 Mweembam [at] who.int (Mweembam[at]who[dot]int) 
Collins Boakye-Agyemang Communications Officer + 231770496213 boakyeagyemangc [at] who.int (boakyeagyemangc[at]who[dot]int)