At our Board on 9/8/14 Dr. Chris provided an update on the worsening situation in Liberia. She spoke of her challenge in continuing to serve the 34 communities in and around Kakata throughout this unprecedented Ebola outbreak. We’ve all heard on the news how the country’s health care system is collapsing with hospitals closing, medical workers fleeing and people dying of common diseases because they are afraid to seek treatment
Dr. Chris reports that much of the food is grown in the quarantined areas and food shortages are expected soon. In addition the local water system was recently compromised and water supply has been shut down for several days.
In response to government orders, limiting travel and people gathering, and in consideration of the safety of our HWHL staff, Dr. Chris has halted operations involving direct patient contact at the clinic. CH Rennie Hospital, the local Regional Referral Hospital, remains closed, so the closest location open for isolation of Ebola patients is the private employee clinic at the Firestone Rubber Plantation over 10 miles away.
Dr. Chris has shifted focus of the staff to prevention and public education with a renewed emphasis on sanitation by setting up as many community sanitation stations as possible. Buckets, which sold for a dollar a week ago, are now being sold for $35 dollars apiece and are in short supply as is clean
water. Since Liberian Customs has virtually stopped incoming goods and supplies, we are asking for immediate financial assistance to help Dr. Chris provide buckets, soap, safe water, and bleach to assist the local population. All materials must be purchased locally.
The public health situation in Liberia is grave.
Please consider a donation for this effort. 100% of financial assistance we receive for this effort will be used in direct support of the Kakata community. For more information on the ways you can make a donation, check out our donation page on our web site at: https://www.healthywomenliberia.org/donate/
Thank you and God bless,
Prayer Requests:
1. Dr. Chris asked that she and our staff would find wisdom and knowledge to spread joy among those facing fear amidst the current Ebola crisis.
2. Dr. Chris asked that we pray that customs in Liberia would find favor with us to release our new truck stuck in customs for the past two months.
