Welcome to the Internews Newsletter for media in Liberia. This newsletter is created with the intent to support the work of local media in reporting about Ebola and Ebola-related issues in Liberia. Internews welcomes feedback, comments and suggestions from all media receiving this newsletter and invites them to forward, share and re-post this newsletter as widely as possible. Information Saves Lives http://www.usaid.gov/ http://www.healthcommcapacity.org/ https://www.internews.org/ Media Newsletter Internews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and on the impact of the crisis on the local population. project and For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348 /internewsliberia Surveillance, abstinence and precaution in post-Ebola Liberia http://www.msf.fr/ http://bit.ly/1KxKiSQ http://bit.ly/1PBBRqq http://bit.ly/1EswwMM http://on.fb.me/1NM9DKt Days after Liberia was declared Ebola-free by the World Health Organization (WHO), skepticisms is widespread as some citizens even describe the decision as “hasty,” pointing to Guinea and Sierra Leone, which are both still struggling to end the spread the disease within their borders. In Monsterrado County, people are rumoring that the Liberian government intends to bring back the disease, in a bid to continue reaping benefits from Ebola funds. The same rumor has been echoed in Maryland County as well. But according to the WHO, there are criteria that must be considered for the Ebola outbreak to be declared over. One of them is the 42-day benchmark that must be reached. This benchmark can only be considered after the last confirmed case has tested negative twice for the virus on blood samples, a statement from their website reads. The 42 days are counted from the day the body of the last Ebola patient was buried. WHO is recommending the maintenance of a surveillance system in Liberia with for a further 90 days. They also suggest ongoing Ebola virus surveillance and notification. Given the continued risk of new importations of EVD into any country until the entire West African sub- region has stopped transmission, the consequences of a new emergence from an animal reservoir, and the possibility of sexual transmission or a missed transmission chain, WHO suggests that heightened surveillance should be sustained for 90 days beyond the initial 42-day period. The considerations in this regard are as follows: · While transmission of Ebola virus persists in West Africa, re-introduction of the virus through an incubating or sick patient is possible, given the existence of porous borders and frequent movements of people between countries. For this reason, careful control at the borders and strict surveillance should be continued until the entire West Africa sub-region is free of Ebola. These activities require strong cross border collaboration and effective implementation of preparedness plans. · There is evidence that viable Ebola virus can persist in semen for at least 82 days after symptom onset and possibly longer than 6 months. However, the frequency of sexual transmission and the period of potential infectivity of the virus in seminal fluids remain unknown. Consequently, with thousands of survivors in West Africa, there is the possibility of Ebola re-emergence via sexual transmission beyond 42 days. Also, the re-introduction of Ebola virus from an animal to the human population could also occur. Of six countries that experienced an Ebola outbreak previously, two reported a second outbreak within one year (Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo), one within two years (Gabon) and one within three years (Sudan), according to WHO. In total, four out of six countries had a second Ebola outbreak within three years. Two countries (Uganda and Cote d'Ivoire) had no further outbreaks in the following five years. Issue #11 - May 8-15 http://bit.ly/1JSYGV7 http://bit.ly/1HmYqx2
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Welcome to the Internews Newsletter for media in Liberia. This newsletter is created with the intent to support the work of local media in reporting about Ebola and Ebola-related issues in Liberia. Internews welcomes feedback, comments and suggestions from all media receiving this newsletter and invites them to forward, share and re-post this newsletter as widely as possible.
Information Saves Lives http://www.usaid.gov/ http://www.healthcommcapacity.org/ https://www.internews.org/
Media Newsletter
Internews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and
on the impact of the crisis on the local population.
project and
For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348
/internewsliberia
Surveillance, abstinence and precaution in post-Ebola Liberia
http://www.msf.fr/
http://bit.ly/1KxKiSQ
http://bit.ly/1GzyXO5
http://bit.ly/1ItmMIJ
http://bit.ly/1PBBRqq
http://bit.ly/1EswwMM
http://on.fb.me/1NM9DKt
Days after Liberia was declared Ebola-free by the World Health Organization (WHO), skepticisms is widespread as some citizens even describe the decision as “hasty,” pointing to Guinea and Sierra Leone, which are both still struggling to end the spread the disease within their borders.
In Monsterrado County, people are rumoring that the Liberian government intends to bring back the disease, in a bid to continue reaping benefits from Ebola funds. The same rumor has been echoed in Maryland County as well.
But according to the WHO, there are criteria that must be considered for the Ebola outbreak to be declared over. One of them is the 42-day benchmark that must be reached. This benchmark can only be considered after the last confirmed case has tested negative twice for the virus on blood samples, a statement from their website reads. The 42 days are counted from the day the body of the last Ebola patient was buried.
WHO is recommending the maintenance of a surveillance system in Liberia with for a further 90 days. They also suggest ongoing Ebola virus surveillance and notification.
Given the continued risk of new importations of EVD into any country until the entire West African sub-region has stopped transmission, the consequences of a new emergence from an animal reservoir, and the possibility of sexual transmission or a missed transmission chain, WHO suggests that heightened surveillance should be sustained for 90 days beyond the initial 42-day period. The considerations in this regard are as follows:
· While transmission of Ebola virus persists in West Africa, re-introduction of the virus through an incubating or sick patient is possible, given the existence of porous borders and frequent movements of people between countries. For this reason, careful control at the borders and strict surveillance should be continued until the entire West Africa sub-region is free of Ebola. These activities require strong cross border collaboration and effective implementation of preparedness plans.
· There is evidence that viable Ebola virus can persist in semen for at least 82 days after symptom onset and possibly longer than 6 months. However, the frequency of sexual transmission and the period of potential infectivity of the virus in seminal fluids remain unknown. Consequently, with thousands of survivors in West Africa, there is the possibility of Ebola re-emergence via sexual transmission beyond 42 days.
Also, the re-introduction of Ebola virus from an animal to the human population could also occur. Of six countries that experienced an Ebola outbreak previously, two reported a second outbreak within one year (Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo), one within two years (Gabon) and one within three years (Sudan), according to WHO. In total, four out of six countries had a second Ebola outbreak within three years. Two countries (Uganda and Cote d'Ivoire) had no further outbreaks in the following five years.
Issue #11 - May 8-15
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There is also a concern that a pregnant woman who recovered from Ebola could release infected amniotic fluid when delivering the baby – this case, while possible, is supposed to be extremely rare. For pregnant women who survive EVD and continue their pregnancies, strict clinical follow-up mechanisms should be put in place. High-level infection prevention and control precautions including use of full personal protective equipment should be implemented to manage deliveries. Newborn babies should undergo Ebola virus detection and serology tests and precautions should be used to care for the baby until the tests prove to be negative. For what it concerns Liberia, all preventive measures applied so far and regulated by the Government are still in place, including the special laws passed (improved response time and contact tracking and coordination with regional and international partners).
Avoiding stigma in post-Ebola times
WHO says all healed Ebola patients are at risk of stigma. They add that every effort must be made to minimize stigma through appropriate social mobilization, community engagement and education. “These people have completely recovered and represent no further risk for the community in general.”
“Adequate precautions including abstinence or use of condoms must be taken by healed persons until the risk of sexual transmission has disappeared.”
Contacts
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Targbeh Wreeh, Supervisor Phone: 886826547 [email protected]
World Health Organisation (WHO) Eileen Farnan, Case Management Officer Phone: 0888135625 [email protected]
World Health Organisation (WHO) Carmen L. Pessoa-Silva, Infectious Prevention & Control Officer Phone: 0886092544 [email protected]
Save the Children Liberia Gradiah Walker, Advocacy and Policy Manager Phone: 0886 556 290 [email protected]
Sources:
How is the end of an Ebola outbreak decided and declared? www.who.int/csr/disease/ebola/declaration-ebola-end/en/
Health advisory (11 may 2015) https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/pressRoom/Current_Issues/2014/ebola-virus-disease-.html Internews Humanitarian Newsletter Issue 9 https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1D2eBmYrnOxRDR0OC0zb0t0VW8&authuser=0
Information Saves Lives http://www.usaid.gov/ http://www.healthcommcapacity.org/ https://www.internews.org/
Media Newsletter
/internewsliberia
Internews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and
on the impact of the crisis on the local population.
project and
For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348
Internews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and
on the impact of the crisis on the local population.
project and
For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348
http://www.emansion.gov.lr/
http://on.fb.me/1NM9DKt
http://bit.ly/1JsmWPO
Issue #11 - May 8-15
Information Saves Lives http://www.usaid.gov/ http://www.healthcommcapacity.org/ https://www.internews.org/
Media Newsletter
/internewsliberia
PREPAREDNESS OF LIBERIA TO RAPIDLY DETECT AND RESPOND TO AN EBOLA OUTBREAK
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The World Health Organization (WHO) says the introduction of an EVD case into unaffected countries remains a risk for as long as cases are reported in any country. High levels of preparation (coordination and surveillance) can contain introductions of the disease with a rapid and adequate response.
The preparation aims at ensuring that Liberia as a country is ready to effectively and safely detect, investigate and report potential EVD cases, and to mount an effective response. WHO provides this support through country visits by preparedness-strengthening teams (PSTs), direct technical assistance to countries (deployment of staffs), and the provision of technical guidance that include financial and logistics support to the implementation of preparedness plans.
Drawing examples from other countries since October 2014, when Ebola was at its peak, PSTs provided technical support in 14 countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, South Sudan, and Togo. Technical working group meetings, field visits and high-level exercises helped to identify key areas for improvement. Each country has a tailored plan to strengthen operational readiness.
WHO continues to work with many partners in response to the EVD outbreak, including the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the Mano River Union, national governments, non-governmental organizations and UN agencies. Agencies responsible for coordinating four key lines of action in the response are given below.
Lines of action Lead agency
Case management WHO
World Health Organisation (WHO) Eileen Farnan, Case Management Officer Phone: 0888135625 [email protected]
Case finding, laboratory services and contact tracing
WHO
World Health Organisation (WHO) Carmen L. Pessoa-Silva, Infectious Prevention & Control Officer Phone: 0886092544 [email protected]
Safe and dignified burials International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Michael Gloeckle, Safe & Dignified Burrial Coordinator Phone: 0770413480 [email protected]
Internews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and
on the impact of the crisis on the local population.
project and
For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348
Internews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and
on the impact of the crisis on the local population.
project and
For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348
Information Saves Lives http://www.usaid.gov/ http://www.healthcommcapacity.org/ https://www.internews.org/
Media Newsletter
/internewsliberia
http://bit.ly/1DM3tac
Increased border controls
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http://on.fb.me/1NM9DKtSeveral organizations including the International Organization for Migration and Global Communities are partnering with the Liberian government to implement strict border controls (hand washing and temperature checks) and community surveillance along the borders with Guinea and Sierra Leone.
On March 24, Global Communities staff attended an historic bilateral meeting on cross-border surveillance in Lola, Guinea. This was the first of six such gatherings between Nimba and Lola counties and the latest in a series of talks held between the two countries to strategize on how to best monitor borders and ensure Ebola does not cross unnoticed. Two similar meetings have been held in Lofa and one in Bong. The meeting in Lola represents a continuation of collaboration between both countries on cross-border surveillance and demonstrates that all three bordering counties of Liberia are now actively engaged with the Guinean government.
Contacts
Projects Concern International (PCI) Liberia Jolene M. Mullins, Country Representative, Health & Nutrition Manager Phone: 0880711148 [email protected] Organization for Migration (IOM) Andrew Lind, Communications Officer Phone: 0880183882 [email protected] Sources: Ebola Situation Report - 13 May 2015 http://apps.who.int/ebola/en/current-situation/ebola-situation-report-13-may-2015 Statement on the declaration of a state of emergency by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, August 6, 2014 http://www.emansion.gov.lr/doc/sdseg.pdf Guinea and Liberia Publically Discuss the Importance of Border Surveillance and Coordination http://www.globalcommunities.org/node/38076
Discussion topics 1. Cross-border issues: The Liberian government
along with its partners involved in securing the borders with Ebola-affected countries (Sierra
Leone and Guinea) are seeking best possible ways of pushing their strategy beyond the limits. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in particular, has been spearheading talks on integrating Sierra Leone and Guinea in collaborating on a strict surveillance and Ebola prevention strategy across their shared borders with Liberia. Focus is being put on borders in Gbarpolu, Bong, Nimba, Lofa and Grand Gedeh counties.
2. Hazard pay: Liberia’s Ministry of Finance says there have been not negative reactions encountered since payments began to health workers, Ebola orphans, healed Ebola patients, and/or affected families and persons, in September 2014. The ministry reveals that $23 million USD was provided by the World Bank and the African Development Bank. The payments continue till May 31, 2015. There will be a Press Release soon, highlighting details about the hazard pay. It should be noted that the Liberia Medical and Dental Council has been very helpful in identifying recipients of these funds.
3. Funds for healed Ebola patients: Responders are discussing critical issues (stigma and discrimination) reported by healed Ebola patients and Ebola orphans. They are also reporting cases where children (Ebola orphans and those of healed Ebola patients) have been stigmatized in schools and other public gatherings. They acknowledge that fighting stigma and discrimination translates to seeking best possible ways of increasing the financial incentives which they receive every month.
4. Community benefits: Responders have acknowledged the strong contributions and collaboration made by all Liberian communities during the Ebola outbreak. The Ministry of Youths and Sports says funds were provided by donors to compensate the efforts of the communities through their community project proposals. However, the funds have not been used till date, the Ministry noted, reporting that community members have started asking several questions regarding this decision. Responders are discussing ways of making use of the money that is still available for all the Liberian communities.
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Issue #11 - May 8-15
http://bit.ly1ABN0AiInternews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and on the impact of the crisis on the local population.
project and
For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348
Information Saves Lives http://www.usaid.gov/ http://www.healthcommcapacity.org/ https://www.internews.org/
/internewsliberia
Media Newsletter
Citizens’ Feedback http://on.fb.me/1NM9DKt
Local authorities are now using the local radio to encourage communities to take their children to clinics and hospitals where they can receive the routine vaccine, citizens of Grand Gedeh County say.Locals are reporting that the Liberian Red Cross hired some locals join their mission and educate communities on the
importance of measles vaccine.
Grand Gedeh
Locals are confirming that they now take their children to receive the routine vaccines because they trusted only in their local leaders – who educated them about the importance of these vaccines, and the difference between them and the trial Ebola vaccine.
Nimba
ROUTINE VACCINE
In Sinoe County, the citizens are confirming that UNICEF, County Health Teams and
traditional authorities are actively educating people about routine vaccinations.Sinoe
The Ministry of Health and its partners are carrying out awareness campaigns on the measles vaccine, helping citizens to differentiate between the routine and the Ebola vaccine.
Grand Kru
The citizens are saying the parents are now taking their children to hospitals and clinics where they can receive routine vaccinations to help protect against serious childhood illnesses.Residents are confirming that Rose Cooper, leader of the Margibi County measles vaccine awareness team, spoke on Radio Joy Africa. They say that, though this talk, all listeners were provided information on how to distinguish between the routine vaccinations and the Ebola vaccine.
Margibi
Residents are confirming that the measles vaccine campaign was launched in their county on May 8, 2015, by the Ministry of Health and the County Health Team.Citizens are saying the County Health Team are partnering with local authorities in educating people on the importance of the routine vaccinations.
Maryland
Residents in Bong County say the County Health Team, Bong Mines radio and other organizations are educating communities on the difference between the Ebola and the measles vaccine.
Bong
Citizens say UNICEF and Crusaders For Peace have been organizing awareness campaigns about the importance of routine vaccinations in Montserrado County.
Montserrado
Issue #11 - May 8-15
Internews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and on the impact of the crisis on the local population.
project and
For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348
Information Saves Lives http://www.usaid.gov/ http://www.healthcommcapacity.org/ https://www.internews.org/
/internewsliberia
Media Newsletter
Citizens’ Feedback http://on.fb.me/1NM9DKt
Citizens are rumoring that the on-going polio campaign will bring back Ebola in the peak of Liberia's rainy season.
Montserrado
People are rumoring that if the Ebola Treatment Units (ETUs) remain open despite the country being declared Ebola-free, the government could be tempted to start infecting people with the disease.
Margibi
ROUTINE VACCINE
EBOLA TREATMENT UNITS
Citizens are rumoring about a measles outbreak in district four of Grand Bassa County. Although the outbreak has lasted more than four weeks, there has not been any assistance to victims, the citizens claim.
Grand Bassa
Citizens are rumoring that the ETU in Grand Kru County will shut down on May 15, 2015. They are also wondering what new jobs ETU workers will take up, given that they have acquired rare skills in fighting deadly epidemics.
Grand Kru
Citizens are asking why Liberia should be declared Ebola-free despite the fact that its neighbors (Sierra Leone and Guinea) are still battling to end Ebola.
Maryland
Citizens are rumoring that several community members in Nimba County fell ill after drinking water from a well that contained chlorine. They claim that the well owner poured chlorine into the well without informing other users.
Nimba
Locals are rumoring that their children will be given the Ebola vaccine instead of the routine vaccine.
Grand Gedeh
The citizens are rumoring that those who manage the Ebola funds are seeking ways of bringing back Ebola to Liberia so as to continue embezzling money.
EBOLA FUNDS
Montserrado County residents rumor that the distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets is a strategy of spreading Ebola in Liberia because the nets have been infected with Ebola instead.Montserrado
MALARIA
Montserrado
EBOLA-FREE LIBERIA
PREVENTION MEASURES
Issue #11 - May 8-15
http://bit.ly1ABN0AiInternews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and on the impact of the crisis on the local population.
project and
For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348
Information Saves Lives http://www.usaid.gov/ http://www.healthcommcapacity.org/ https://www.internews.org/
/internewsliberia
Media Newsletter
Citizens’ Feedback http://on.fb.me/1NM9DKt
Aid agency Save the Children donated an ambulance to the County Health Team, residents say.
Grand Gedeh
Residents claim that the ETU in Bomi County shut down last week.
Bomi
People are reporting that citizens are now taking their children to health facilities where they can receive the routine vaccine. The people add that their County Health Team effectively educated them on the importance of the vaccine and also demonstrated how they could differentiate it from the Ebola vaccine.
Residents in Gbarpolu County are saying UNICEF, WHO, eHealth and other organizations are carrying out awareness about the polio vaccine.
Gbarpolu
The citizens are saying that the free distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets have been heavily accepted by community members. They also say the exercise started in Greenville City and Kpayan district.
Sinoe
People in these counties are confirming that the measles vaccine campaign was launched on May 8, 2015.The people living in the rural areas of Grand Bassa County, including district four, have not been informed about the routine vaccines, citizens say.
Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, Bong, Sinoe and Grand Bassa
Citizens are reporting that local authorities have taken the initiative to use the local radio and inform residents about the need for routine vaccines to be accepted by all families.Red cross, UNICEF and MOH are motivating people about the routine vaccine and encouraging parents to take their children to clinics and hospitals.
Bomi
PREVENTION MEASURESROUTINE VACCINE
EBOLA TREATMENT UNITS
MALARIA
Residents say the free distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets has begun in their county without any pockets of resistance by the local people.
Maryland
Issue #11 - May 8-15
Rumors from local people Well-sourced and accurate responses
Grand Kru County Citizens are rumoring that the ETU in Grand Kru County will shut down on May 15, 2015. They are also wondering what new jobs ETU workers will take up, given that they have acquired rare skills in fighting deadly epidemics. Margibi County People are rumoring that if the Ebola Treatment Units (ETUs) remain open despite the country being declared Ebola-free, the government could be tempted to start infecting people with the disease.
The Ministry of Health recognizes the need for a structured, regulated and financially motivated community health workforce. They are discussing ways of transforming Community Health Volunteers into health workers. They recognize that the Ebola outbreak crippled the health care system in Liberia, and exposed a lack of clear health protocols and guidelines and limited directives on how to stay safe in the wake of an epidemic. It also uncovered the need for new staffs ranging from community mobilizers, health promoters and contact tracers. With regards to ETUs that are still opened, the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on closing down ETUs stresses that the Liberian government must endorse every ETU shut down, and that the agency running the ETU must clearly explain the process to the host community. The process could either be a complete shut down or repurposing of treatment facilities to serve for future deadly epidemics like cholera that need isolation. In Margibi County, the ETU run by the Firestone Company team is still operational, while that of the United States Public Health Service team closed. In Kakata, the International Medical Corps-operated ETU has its shut down in progress. Click here to read more. *For more information interviews, journalists/communicators can contact: International Medical Corps Dziwe Ntaba, Training Director Phone: 0775059567 [email protected] Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Targbeh Wreeh, Supervisor Phone: 886826547 [email protected]
http://1.usa.gov/1F8WwjD
Internews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and
on the impact of the crisis on the local population.
project and
For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348
Internews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and
on the impact of the crisis on the local population.
project and
For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348
http://bit.ly/1LT58Ai
Information Saves Lives http://www.usaid.gov/ http://www.healthcommcapacity.org/ https://www.internews.org/
Media Newsletter
Montserrado County Montserrado Countyresidents rumor that the distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets is a strategy of spreading Ebola in Liberia because the nets have been infected with Ebola instead.
In April 2015, Liberia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that a consignment of at least 2.8 million mosquito nets has arrived in the country for distribution to households across the 15 counties. The mosquito nets are free of charge and distribution began on April 25 (World Malaria Day). The consignment of long lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets (LLINs) donated by the Global Fund to fight HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) in Liberia, is the largest single donation of LLINs since the start of the Global Fund Project in Liberia in 2005, according to MOH. Plan Liberia and Roll Back Malaria are among other key organizations involved in the LLINs distribution across Liberia. The campaign intends to mainly target those worst affected by malaria: pregnant women and children under five. Plan Liberia Tamba Nyuma, Child protection Advisor Phone: 0770009076 [email protected] World Health Organization (WHO) Mr. Eric Johnson, Health Economist Phone: +231 886516803 [email protected] Plan Liberia Dr Collins Sayang, Program Support Manager Phone: 0770 009 022 [email protected] More Than Me Janessa Wells, Child Health and Wellness Program Manager Phone: 0555879843 [email protected]
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Malaria
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Ebola-free Liberia
Maryland County Citizens are asking why
Liberia should be declared
Ebola-free despite the fact
that its neighbors (Sierra
Leone and Guinea) are still
battling to end Ebola.
The World Health Organization (WHO) can only declare a country Ebola-free once that country successfully completes 42 days — twice the maximum incubation period for the deadly disease — without any new cases. Liberia successfully went through that test. This does not mean that citizens should be complacent in their long-term struggle because its closest neighbors (Guinea and Sierra Leone) are still badly hit by Ebola. WHO recommends strict vigilance, heightened border surveillance and the continuous respect of Ebola prevention measures.
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http://bit.ly/1A9U64O
Issue #11 - May 8-15
http://bit.ly/1wEobaB
Internews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and
on the impact of the crisis on the local population.
project and
For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348
Information Saves Lives http://www.usaid.gov/ http://www.healthcommcapacity.org/ https://www.internews.org/
Media Newsletter
Routine Vaccine
/internewsliberia
Montserrado County Citizens are rumoring that the on-going poliocampaign will bring back Ebola in the peak of Liberia’s rainy season. Grand Gedeh County Locals are rumoring that their children will be given the Ebola vaccine instead of the routine vaccine. Grand Bassa County Citizens are rumoring about a measles outbreak in district four of Grand Bassa County. Although the outbreak has lasted more than four weeks, there has not been any assistance to victims, the citizens claim. .
Now as Liberia moves on from Ebola, rebuilding the health care system and restoring its immunization programs are two of the government's top priorities. As part of that effort, Liberia launched a nationwide measles vaccination campaign on May 8, 2015. Health officials hope to reach almost 700,000 children in a country of 4 million people. Officials working on the routine vaccination campaign hope to vaccinate 95 percent of children under five years old against measles. They tried a similar campaign in February when the measles outbreak was just gaining steam. That effort failed, and Ebola was to blame. That February immunization drive coincided with the launch of the experimental Ebola vaccine trial for adults. Parents confused the two and refused to bring their children to the health clinics or hospitals. Officials say they've sent out Red Cross and other volunteers to assure parents that this immunization drive is ONLY about protecting their kids from measles. Click here to read more. *For more information interviews, journalists/communicators can contact: Liberia National Red Cross Society Danise Love Dennis, Beneficiary Communications Supervisor Phone: 0886388690/0775249430 [email protected] UNICEF Liberia Alvina Lim, Communications Specialist Phone: 0770267938 [email protected]
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http://bit.ly/1Ff4wC7
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Ebola Funds
Montserrado County The citizens are rumoring that those who manage the Ebola funds are seeking ways of bringing back Ebola to Liberia so as to continue embezzling money.
According to an Executive Mansion release quoting presidential Press Secretary Jerolinmek Piah, the media reports and rumors about the government “shielding corruption” are incorrect and misleading. Rather, Piah says, they are intended to damage ongoing efforts by the Government to deepen programs of transparency and accountability under which continuous audits are being conducted, reports made public, and actions taken in keeping with the findings and recommendations of the Ebola auditing teams. The presidential spokesman indicated that to remind the country of the recent difficulties in the fight against the dreadful Ebola virus disease, and the success of the entire nation in overcoming this epidemic as the Liberian President has done, in no way suggests that she condones the “misuse and abuse” of the public trust.
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Issue #11 - May 8-15
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Internews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and
on the impact of the crisis on the local population.
project and
For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348
Information Saves Lives http://www.usaid.gov/ http://www.healthcommcapacity.org/ https://www.internews.org/
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Prevention Measures
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Meanwhile, the presidential press secretary has termed as “mean-spirited and unpatriotic” the attitude of attacking the Liberian President while she is on a foreign mission to represent the collective best interests of the nation. Click here to read more. *For more information interviews, journalists/communicators can contact: Executive Mansion Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, Press Secretary to the President [email protected]
Nimba County Citizens are rumoring that several communitymembers in Nimba County fell ill after drinking water from a well that contained chlorine. They claim that the well owner poured chlorine into the well without informing other users.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Health workers in West Africa should be aware of rumors that drinking chlorine or disinfectant solutions could cure or prevent the Ebola virus disease. Chlorine is NOT a cure for Ebola. No one should ever drink chlorine or disinfectant solutions containing chlorine. When chlorine, sometimes called bleach, is swallowed it can make people very sick, or even lead to death. Drinking or inhaling chlorine can cause:
· Abdominal pain
· Burning in the eyes, nose and throat
· Chest discomfort
· Coughing and/or wheezing
· Nausea and vomiting
· Skin burns
If a chlorine compound or chlorine disinfectant is swallowed, and that person feels ill as a result, seek medical attention. Click here to read more. *For more information interviews, journalists/communicators can contact: United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response George Conway, US CDC Senior Medical Officer Phone: 770003949 [email protected] Tiyatien Health John Ly, MD, Medical Director Phone: 0775586946; 0886446122 [email protected]
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http://bit.ly/1AfJDEI
Issue #11 - May 8-15
Internews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and
on the impact of the crisis on the local population.
project and
For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348
Information Saves Lives http://www.usaid.gov/ http://www.healthcommcapacity.org/ https://www.internews.org/
Media Newsletter
/internewsliberia
THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS IN THE GEOPOLL SURVEY
Information Needs Analysis
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM COUNTIES
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BOMI COUNTY - What measures could be put in place
to end Ebola? - What is the future of Ebola in Liberia? - What is the origin of Ebola in Liberia?
BONG COUNTY
- What are the current updates on Ebola?
- What is the origin of Ebola? - What measures could be put in place
to end Ebola? GRAND BASSA COUNTY
- What are the current updates on Ebola?
- What measures could be put in place to end Ebola?
- What is the origin of Ebola? GRAND CAPE MOUNT
- What measures could be put in place to end Ebola?
- What are the current updates on Ebola?
GRAND GEDEH COUNTY
- What are the non-Ebola related concerns?
- What measures could be put in place to end Ebola?
- What are the current updates on Ebola?
LOFA COUNTY - What is the origin of Ebola? - What are the current updates on
Ebola? - What measures could be put in place
to end Ebola? MARGIBI COUNTY
- What is the origin of Ebola? - What are the current updates on
Ebola? - What are the symptoms of Ebola?
MARYLAND COUNTY
- What is the origin of Ebola? MONTSERRADO COUNTY
- What measures could be put in place to end Ebola? - What is the origin of Ebola? - What are the current updates on Ebola?
NIMBA COUNTY
- What are the current updates on Ebola? - What measures could be put in place to end Ebola? - What are the symptoms of Ebola?
SINOE
- What is the origin of Ebola?
Issue #11 - May 8-15
Internews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and
on the impact of the crisis on the local population.
project and
For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348
Information Saves Lives http://www.usaid.gov/ http://www.healthcommcapacity.org/ https://www.internews.org/
Media Newsletter
International Medical Corps Dziwe Ntaba, Training Director Phone: 0775059567 [email protected] Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Targbeh Wreeh, Supervisor Phone: 886826547 [email protected]
Executive Mansion
Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, Press Secretary to the
President
[email protected] United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response George Conway, US CDC Senior Medical Officer Phone: 770003949 [email protected]
Tiyatien Health
John Ly, MD, Medical Director
Phone: 0775586946; 0886446122
[email protected] Liberia National Red Cross Society Danise Love Dennis, Beneficiary Communications
World Health Organisation (WHO) Eileen Farnan, Case Management Officer Phone: 0888135625 [email protected]
Projects Concern International (PCI) Liberia Jolene M. Mullins, Country Representative, Health & Nutrition Manager Phone: 0880711148 [email protected] Organization for Migration (IOM) Andrew Lind, Communications Officer Phone: 0880183882 [email protected]
Save the Children Liberia Gradiah Walker, Advocacy and Policy Manager Phone: 0886 556 290 [email protected]
UNICEF Liberia
Alvina Lim, Communications Specialist
Phone: 0770267938
[email protected] Plan Liberia Tamba Nyuma, Child protection Advisor Phone: 0770009076 [email protected] World Health Organization (WHO) Mr. Eric Johnson, Health Economist Phone: +231 886516803 [email protected] Plan Liberia Dr Collins Sayang, Program Support Manager Phone: 0770 009 022 [email protected] More Than Me Janessa Wells, Child Health and Wellness Program Manager Phone: 0555879843 [email protected]
World Health Organisation (WHO) Carmen L. Pessoa-Silva, Infectious Prevention & Control Officer Phone: 0886092544 [email protected]
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Michael Gloeckle, Safe & Dignified Burrial Coordinator Phone: 0770413480 [email protected] UNICEF Rania Elessawi, C4D Specialist [email protected]
Media contacts/internewsliberiahttp://on.fb.me/1NM9DKt
Issue #11 - May 8-15
For more information contact: Tapang Ivo Tanku, Health Communication Liaison Officer – 0770461348
Internews “Information Saves Lives” is a six-month project implemented under the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (Hc3) funded by USAID. The project aims at building the capacity of Liberian journalists to report accurately on the Ebola disease and
on the impact of the crisis on the local population.
project and
Information Saves Lives http://www.usaid.gov/ http://www.healthcommcapacity.org/ https://www.internews.org/
Media Newsletter
/internewsliberia
Resources for the media
http://on.fb.me/1NM9DKt
How is the end of an Ebola outbreak decided and declared? www.who.int/csr/disease/ebola/declaration-ebola-end/en/ Health advisory (11 may 2015) https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/pressRoom/Current_Issues/2014/ebola-virus-disease-.html Internews Humanitarian Newsletter Issue 9 https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1D2eBmYrnOxRDR0OC0zb0t0VW8&authuser=0 Ebola Situation Report - 13 May 2015 http://apps.who.int/ebola/en/current-situation/ebola-situation-report-13-may-2015 Statement on the declaration of a state of emergency by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, August 6, 2014 http://www.emansion.gov.lr/doc/sdseg.pdf
Guinea and Liberia Publically Discuss the Importance of Border Surveillance and Coordination http://www.globalcommunities.org/node/38076
Preparedness of Liberia to Rapidly Detect and Respond to an Ebola Outbreak http://apps.who.int/ebola/en/current-situation/ebola-situation-report-13-may-2015 Ebola Situation Report - 13 May 2015 http://apps.who.int/ebola/en/current-situation/ebola-situation-report-13-may-2015 Statement on the declaration of a state of emergency by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, August 6, 2014 http://www.emansion.gov.lr/doc/sdseg.pdf Guinea and Liberia Publically Discuss the Importance of Border Surveillance and Coordination http://www.globalcommunities.org/node/38076