On the eve of Sierra Leone being declared ebola-free, Caritas says the impact of the epidemic is likely to linger long into the future in the West African country.
Address: National Catholic Secretariat, Gaye Town, Old Road Behind
Christ the King Catholic, Church Monrovia Liberia
Telephone: +231 22 72 45 Fax: +231 22 62 87
Email: caritasliberia@yahoo.com
The work of Caritas Liberia began in earnest in the civil crisis that started in 1990 and escalated in 1999-2003 when the agency provided emergency assistance such as food and medical supplies to thousands of people forced to flee their villages. Since 2003, the agency has moved from delivering immediate emergency relief to longer-term development programmes in sustainable agriculture, education, maternal and child health, HIV and AIDS prevention, poverty eradication and livelihood development. Caritas Liberia’s enduring commitment to help the poorest and vulnerable populations lead full and productive lives and participate in decisions regarding their right to development underpins their work.
Caritas Liberia agricultural-led development initiatives aims to reduce poverty and hunger and improve rural livelihoods. Programmes include the provision of seeds and fertilizer, and training to farmers on how to improve their cassava and rice yields by introducing improved farming techniques, time-saving technologies and better access to markets.
Since its beginnings, one of Caritas Liberia’s primary missions has been to provide care to those affected by AIDs and increase awareness on prevention measures to mitigate the spread of the pandemic. At the diocesan level, Caritas Gbarnga, in conjunction with CRS, implemented The Faithful House project to promote marital fidelity to mitigate the spread of the virus among married couples.
The agency’s health programmes provides pre-natal care to expecting mothers, works with communities to strengthen immunization and health systems, and provides training and liaisons with Government and Non-Governmental Organisations.
Caritas Liberia’s capacity building improves water supplies and sanitation facilities in schools and communities and promotes safe hygiene practices.
Caritas Liberia main office in Monrovia works closely to provide guidance and support to the 3 Caritas Diocesan structures – Caritas Monrovia, Caritas Gbarnga and Caritas Cape Palmas.
Vital to the success of Caritas Liberia’s work is their collaboration with the global Caritas network; such as Catholic Relief Services USA, Caritas Italy, Caritas England and Wales- CAFOD, Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Africa.
Updates from Liberia
Countless children were greatly affected and continue to be affected by the Ebola outbreak that ravaged both their lives as well as their families more than just physically.
Rebecca Mulvah is happy to be back home in her village of Balakatala. Rebecca, 34, fled to camp out in the bush, when rumors that her village would be burned by people from a neighbouring one filled her with terror. Her village had Ebola.
Caritas Ebola coordinator in Liberia André Stelder reports on his travels in Liberia as the country recovers post-Ebola epidemic.
The last confirmed Ebola patient in Liberia has been dismissed from the treatment centre. Over the past 12 days, there were no new confirmed cases. If this is maintained for 35 days Liberia will be officially Ebola free.
The devastating reality of the epidemic hits when you visit the rural villages first hit by the epidemic. In Bong County, the Catholic Church has been the only institution able to reach the most remote areas. Talking to the communities there, the scale and impact of Ebola comes home.
The Ebola epidemic in West Africa has killed almost 9000 people. But the worst outbreak of Ebola now appears to be slowing, especially in Liberia which now has just a handful of cases. The Caritas response continues in Liberia with more aid arriving.
Good news from Liberia is that the number of new Ebola infections are down. But much is needed to be done to prevent future outbreaks and help communities rebuild.
2014 was a terrible year for Liberia. Everyone has a horror story. Whole families were eradicated. The Catholic hospital here in Monrovia lost most of its health staff and management. They didn’t run away; they are dead.
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