(MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Thursday, October 2, 2014) A non-denominational evangelical Christian organization, Samaritan Purse International, has brought into the country a consignment of medical supplies to buttress government’s efforts in the fight against the Ebola virus disease.
According to an Executive Mansion release, the nearly 100-ton consignment was airlifted to Liberia on Thursday, October 2, 2014 from the United States of America through the Roberts International Airport (RIA) as a demonstration of its humanitarian work in Liberia since 2003. The consignment includes personal protective equipment (PPEs), anti-malaria and anti-body drugs, chlorine, and buckets, among other items.
Displaying the cargo to Vice President Joseph Boakai, the team leader of the Disaster Assistance Response at Samaritan Purse International, Mr. Nathan Glancy, said the donation marks the initial entry point of the organization since they temporarily pulled out three months ago following the infection of several of its doctors with the Ebola virus disease while catering to patients.
Mr. Glancy indicated that their return to Liberia will encompass clinical care, support and community awareness in Montserrado, Lofa, Margibi and the south-eastern counties of Liberia. They are expected to come online next Monday, October 6, 2014.
Responding, Vice President Boakai thanked the aid organization for their involvement in the Ebola fight and the latest intervention will further hasten the virus eradication.
He stressed that the airlifting of the huge consignment is a demonstration of government-partner collaboration in mobilizing all the support needed in ensuring that the country is free from the Ebola virus disease once again.
The Liberian Vice President recounted the involvement of the Samaritan Purse International in Liberia’s health care delivery system since its operation began in 2003 and expressed no doubt that their return would help change the situation as they work with other partners.
He reassured the international humanitarian organization of government’s fullest support for its work in the country and promised to provide the platform for its smooth operation and services to humanity.
On behalf of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Dr. Boakai expressed government’s gratitude to Samaritan Purse International and how Liberia values the partnership.
He informed the gathering that he had earlier on spoken with the aid organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Franklin Graham, while on his way to the RIA to witness the arrival of the consignment and expressed happiness for the return of the organization.
Deputy Health Minister for Administration Matthew Flomo, who represented Health and Social Welfare Minister Walter Gwenigale, described the efforts by Samaritan Purse as yet another giant step taken by one of government’s partners in the Ebola eradication partnership.
The departure of the 747 cargo plane from Charlotte, North Carolina, USA was witnessed by Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Jeremiah Sulonteh and one of the American doctors who got infected with Ebola while on assignment in Liberia, Dr. Franklin Graham. He has since been cured of the virus.
Samaritan Purse International is a non-denominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world since 1970. The organization has helped victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God's love through His Son, Jesus Christ.
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