US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has built and dedicated a US$6 million Emergency Operating Center, attached to the Liberia’s Ministry of Health which is aimed at boosting the health system after the Ebola outbreak in the country.
During the dedication ceremony, CDC Country Director, Desmond Williams, explained that, the centre has spent US$6 million to build the structure and also invested US$75.7 million in the region for operation of emergency centers.
He pointed out that CDC has already trained about 30 health workers on Epidemiology; noting that, the center will serve as an avenue for training health workers in handling cases of outbreaks and surveillance.
US Ambassador, Deborah Malac, and CDC representative Jeffrey Bryant in separate remarks, attributed the success of the centre to the Paul G. Allen Ebola Program which provided US$100 million in the fight against Ebola in West African countries – adding that, they were very timely in responding to CDC request to help the countries affected by the outbreak.
Deputy Director of Programs, Paul G. Allen Ebola Program, Brennan Banks expressed optimism that the centre would be of great benefit to the Liberians having in place several equipment such as computers that would help the medical personnel to quickly respond to data gathering and training of local staffs.
Expressing appreciation to the US Government, Liberian Health Minister, Bernice Dahn said, creation of the center was in fulfillment of an agreement reached with partners to revitalize the health sector in the country. “The support is evidenced by the establishment of Emergency Operating Centers in all of Liberia’s 15 counties.”
The Ministry has developed nine pillars to improve the health system among which includes the erection of the Emergency Operating Center, training of competent health workers, and establishment of public health facilities, information gathering and data collection, she said.
Dahn further posited that the dedication of the center would put government under obligation to make budgetary allocation for its operations.
CDC also pledged to support government through the Ministry of Health to ensure that technical equipment and training are provided to get Liberia prepared for any emergencies.
The centre is also meant to enhance collection of data and information about Ebola and other life threatening diseases.
CDC Foundation works with other partners to supplements Ebola assistance to affected West African countries by preparing neighboring countries to rapidly detect and contain Ebola.
Paul G. Allen Ebola Program is a program which focused on stopping the ongoing West Africa Ebola outbreak.
