Since the Ebola outbreak in the West African sub-region, there has been an increase of more than 357 confirmed, suspected, and probable Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases (+406 deaths), bringing the total to 8,034 cases (3,866 deaths) in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, United States, and Spain.
In its October 8, 2014’s situation update, the World Health Organization (WHO) said there continues to be significant data collection problems in Liberia and there is clear evidence of “widespread under-reporting of new cases.” WHO added that the situation in Liberia, especially Monrovia, and Sierra Leone continues to deteriorate. Over the most recent three week period with available data, cases have increased more than 45% in Liberia (ending October 4th), 84% in Sierra Leone (ending October 5th), and 37% in Guinea (ending October 5th). The Ebola patient from Liberia, who was diagnosed in the U.S., died on October 8th, 2014 at a hospital in Dallas, Texas.
The global response to addressing the Ebola crisis has been overwhelming and this shows the generosity of the international community and the foreign partners of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone – the three Mano River Union nations. Despite massive international support, local institutions that are most trusted by Liberian communities and families continue to face serious logistical problems in dealing with the crisis and helping their communities.
The spread of the Ebola epidemic is largely due to a number of factors, among them being the question of institutional trust and confidence between Liberians and their public service institutions.
Apart from being the most organized and trusted private pastoral and service delivery institution in Liberia, the Catholic Church has the track record and commitment of providing integrated services to all Liberians irrespective of race, gender, social status and religious affiliation. From providing the best education, facilitating preventive health care and social assistance to enabling vocational and sustainable economic empowerment and social justice, the Catholic Church of Liberia has and continues to spend its miniature resources, time and personnel in serving all Liberians as part of its overall pastoral and lay ministries' dedication.
Some of the best Liberians one can find today were either products of the Liberian Catholic school system, or its affiliate institutions or programs. This is an undeniable fact. This is why support for the Catholic Church’s work in Liberia is vital. Considering how much the Church has given to Liberians, it is necessary that Liberian-American Catholics and Catholics of Liberian heritage living in the Americas identify with the Church when the Church is need. Contact your local bishop or parish priest in Liberia to find out how you can help.
