President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf commends African Union’s efforts in Ebola response
Monrovia, Liberia 22 May 2015- With Liberia declared Ebola-free early May by the World Health Organisation H.E President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia has commended the efforts of the African Union in fighting the epidemic.
The President received Major General Julius Facki Oketta, Head of Mission of African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) and Ambassador Olawale Maiyegun, the Director of Social Affairs of the African Union Commission on 20 May 2015 in Monrovia, Liberia. Maj. General Oketta bade farewell to the President as mission comes to an end.
General Oketta highlighted the many achievements of ASEOWA and briefed President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on the restoration of healthcare services that were shut down as a result of Ebola. He indicated that ASEOWA participated in restoring services at various medical facilities.
“Liberians were the real heroes and heroines in the defeat of Ebola. ASEOWA is happy to be part of the success story” said Ambassador Maiyegun. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma send a special message to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf that highlighted the resilience of the people of Liberia to the Ebola under her leadership and the support given to ASEOWA by the government and people of Liberia.
With the progress on the ground there is optimism that Sierra Leone and Guinea will be Ebola free before 18 August 2015 when ASEOWA’s mandate will come to an end. ASEOWA commenced gradual disengagement since March 2015. The African Union Commission is organising a post Ebola Conference in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on recovery and reconstruction of the three affected countries from 20 to 21 July 2015. BD/TC/WZM
