LIBERIA: Oxfam Chief Executive ends tour
….Promises Support for Liberia’s Recovery – By: WASH R&E “Media” Network – The Chief Executive of Oxfam GB, Mark Goldring has ended a 4-day Assessment Visit to Liberia, promising to lobby with the international community for support for the country following the deadly Ebola outbreak.
Oxfam Chief Executive, Mark Goldring (L), and Oxfam Country Director, Salifu MM Sledge (R)
Oxfam Chief Executive, Mark Goldring addressing the Liberian Media in Monrovia
Oxfam Chief Executive, Mark Goldring demonstrating hand washing during a visit to Logan Town
Oxfam Chief Executive, Mark Goldring and Team inspecting on-going WASH Project in the SKD Community
Oxfam Chief Executive, Mark Goldring speaks to WASH R&E “Media” as Oxfam Country Director, Salifu MM Sledge (back) looks ahead
Mr. Goldring speaking to the press Wednesday in Monrovia at the close of his visit said Liberia deserves a high level of international assistance to rebuild and improve the lives of the citizens.
He named three cardinal reasons for his visit to Liberia, which include “seeing and understanding the work of the Liberian people and international organizations including Oxfam working together to tackle the Ebola outbreak”, work with his colleagues to see how Oxfam can continue to support recovery efforts”, and “to tell the story of Liberia to the wider world to encourage donors for more support from the international community as the country recovers from the Ebola crisis”.
Commenting on his courtesy call on the Liberian Leader, Mr. Goldring said the President acknowledged the efforts of Oxfam in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector and the fight against the Ebola virus.
He disclosed that the Liberian Leader has requested his organization to play a major role in the recovery program of the country.
Mr. Goldring said the President specifically asked Oxfam to spearhead a range of activities that will empower the less-fortunate in Liberia.
The Chief Executive of Oxfam GB pointed out that the Liberian government wants his entity support a Cash Transfer Program that will help empower the economy of the country and restore the buying power of the needy.
He said President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf also requested his organization to support WASH activities in schools as a means of buttressing the reopening of schools in the country.
On his visit to Oxfam projects sites, Mr. Goldring said government and partners have done exceedingly well in communities as it relates to social mobilization.
He asserted that active tracing, contact and the involvement of community members had contributed immensely to the success stories coming out of Liberia in the fight against the Ebola virus.
Goldring further revealed the success story from Liberia will be shared with Sierria Leone concerning social mobilization in combating Ebola.
He at the same time commanded the Liberia WASH Consortium for improved WASH services in communities, noting that Oxfam will seek more support and continue partnership with the consortium in the interest of the WASH sector.
As a way of responding to the Ebola outbreak in selected communities in Montserrado County, Oxfam has targeted 35,000 residents in four communities in Montserrado County namely New Kru Town, Clara Town, West Point and Garwulah Township (Logan Town).
The intervention is aimed at reducing the number of Ebola cases coming out of Montserrado County.
The charity is working closely with GCHVs in selected communities on active case to reduce the transmission of the Ebola Virus Disease.
Oxfam is also working with partners and the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare in providing basic training for selected communities and has distributed hygiene kits as well.
While in Liberia the Oxfam Chief Executive and Delegation visited WASH Projects and communities in which the charity intervened in combating the Ebola virus.
The field visit took them to Logan Town, Cynthia Nelson Clinic, Albinos Association of Liberia, Sayon Town, West Point Township and SKD Community, among others.
Welcoming Mr. Goldring and Team to the Township of Gawulorh, Commissioner Willimetta Carlos recounted the numerous contributions of Oxfam in the provision of WASH facilities in the township (Logan Town).
Commissioner Carlos also commended Oxfam, especially its intervention in containing and eradicating the Ebola virus.
She said during the heat of the Ebola crisis Oxfam made tremendous improvement in the fight against the Ebola virus in the Township and in other communities.
The Commissioner praised the level of cooperation and cordiality enjoyed while working with Oxfam in the Township.
Members of Mr. Goldring delegation include Harriet Ann Tolputt-Head of Media, Adam Bamforth Cottam-Videographer and Abigail Phillippa Trayler-Smith- Photographer.
The Delegation is expected to be in Sierria Leone to carry out similar assessment on its activities in that West African nation also hit by the Ebola virus.
